Fire-control sprinkler riser systems

ABSTRACT

A fire-control riser system that provides a multi-function unitary valve system including providing pressure test, pressure relief, and drain/test fluid flow capability for fire-control sprinkler systems. Furthermore, the fire-control riser system comprises an enclosure that provides for easier installation, pre-assembled components and protects such riser systems from damage during the construction process. Additionally, the fire-control riser system may be substantially comprised of plastic material. The system utilizes an improved flow switch coupling-attachment system that includes no-thread attachment or threaded attachment. The system also provides for multi-function components as well as reduced ports for component installation thereby reducing potential leak areas.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation-in-part of my application Ser.No. 09/596,627, filed Jun. 19, 2000, entitled “Fire Control SprinklerSystem”, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,601,604; which was a continuation-in-partof my application Ser. No. 09/376,112, filed Feb. 1, 1999, entitled“Unitary Valve System”, now abandoned; which was a continuation-in-partof my application Ser. No. 09/074,758, filed May 8, 1998, entitled“Unitary Valve System”, now abandoned. The present application is alsorelated to and claims priority from my Provisional Application Ser. No.60/400,498, filed Aug. 1, 2002, entitled “FIRE CONTROL SPRINKLER RISERSYSTEM”; and the present application is related to my issued U.S. Pat.No. 6,076,545. This patent and all of these applications areincorporated herein by this reference; and none are admitted to be priorart with respect to the present invention by their mention in thiscross-reference section.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention is related to fire-control sprinkler riser systems. Moreparticularly, it is related to fire protection systems for connecting atleast one water supply to at least one fire sprinkler system of afire-protectable structure.

Typically, commercial buildings and an increasing number of residentialstructures are provided with fire suppression systems that dispense afire suppression medium in the event of a fire. These fire sprinklersystems typically have a central pipe conduit from which a labyrinth ofindividual piping systems containing a fire suppression medium underpressure are attached.

In the event of a fire, sensors which are attached to the individualpiping systems are activated thereby releasing the pressurized firesuppression medium in the hopes of quenching the fire. In manyinstances, the sudden release of system pressure activates a silentand/or audible alarm which alerts both those persons which are on thepremises and the local fire authority that a fire is in progress.

Since typical fire suppression systems contain fluids under pressure,some means are needed to both check the integrity of the system againstleakage and to provide for a means to alleviate system excess pressurein order to prevent catastrophic system rupture. In addition, a means isrequired to drain the system if the need arises and/or to quicklydepressurize the system in order to check the integrity of the alarm.

Typically, the central pipe conduit is called a riser and is that smallportion of a fire sprinkler system between a fire suppressant supply,typically water, and a fire suppressant outlet to fire sprinklers wherethe following components/functions are typically performed: a flowswitch, to ascertain whether or not there is water flow in the riserpipe to the fire sprinkler system and to relay this information whereneeded (e.g., to fire departments); a test and drain valve, to open theriser pipe to a drain for the purposes of testing, bleeding, etc.; apressure gauge, to deliver a read-out of the water pressure in the riserpipe; and a relief valve, to open the riser pipe to a drain in the eventa certain (usually settable) water pressure is exceeded in the riserpipe. Typically, in plumbing fire-control sprinkler connections to abuilding water supply, the lower end of a riser pipe will be connectedto a water supply pipe and the upper end will be connected to an outletpipe to the sprinkler system, the riser pipe being stabilized inposition by connecting it to the building structure, as by tying it to abeam.

To avoid doing the above as on-the-spot plumbing labor, it has beenattempted for commercial uses to pre-make a steel, epoxy-coated risermanifold containing ports for the component attachments. Then suchmanifold, with or without components attached, may be plumbed on sitefor connection to a water inlet and sprinkler outlet. But there arestill many unsolved problems, especially for residential uses where thesprinkler system is part of a drinkable water system. Manifolds forriser purposes, especially for residential risers, are not availablewith minimum lengths and costs, with efficient arrangement of ports andof pipe threads for component connection, with efficient means forsupporting the riser in connecting to a structure, with abilities forsafe and efficient use in all locations in any direction, etc.

Further, efficient riser port and component arrangements have notachieved their potentials in terms of improved structures, combinedpurpose lines, or combined purpose components. This is especially truein the areas of adapting plastics techniques in novel ways to suchefficient riser, port, and component arrangements.

Additionally, flow switches are normally manufactured for connectionplumbing by way of pipe threads, usually tapered pipe threads; however,there are many inefficiencies in such a connection. Eliminating such aconnection would permit elimination of: an unnecessary joint which maybe a point of current or future leakages; a large brass adapter fittingwhich is supplied with the flow switch for threaded pipe mounting; theuse and need for thread sealing materials such as Teflon tape or pipedope; the need for a large size wrench or pipe wrench (to tighten a 1″N.P.T. tapered fitting requires a large amount of torque which in turnputs a great stress upon the entire manifold and pipe system—this stresscould work loose the mounting brackets, screws, etc.); and the need tocarefully orient the final positioning of the flow switch when rotating(tightening) the switch onto a threaded port for proper switchoperation. Thus, a threaded attachment means, utilizing tapered pipethread, provides a potential point of leakage, additional labor toassemble, unnecessary components and added cost. There is a need in theindustry for an improved method and product for flow switch connectionand for lower overall cost.

Even further, considering the fact that valves typically use springs inorder to have pressure relief capability, a means is needed to insulatethe valve spring from the system fluid in order to increase the usefullife of the valve. To accomplish some of the above-mentioned valverequirements, typical fire suppression systems incorporate a multi-valvesystem which includes individual pressure relief valves, gate valves andlateral piping arrangements. Though these multi-valve systems areadequate to perform some of the above-mentioned requirements, they inturn require multiple components and a separate piping systemnecessitating an increase in expense and space requirements. Informationrelevant to attempts to address these problems can be found in, e.g.,U.S. Pat. No. 5,662,139. However, the elongated handle described thereinmay be vulnerable to accidental movement. In addition, the relativelyshort travel distance along the cammed surface between the open andclosed position may result in the “water hammer” effect which ariseswhen a fluid flow through a piping system is suddenly terminated,thereby creating a reverberating pressure wave. And, in addition toother disadvantages, current such valves do not provide a means toinsulate the spring from the system fluid. There exists a need for a newand improved fire-control system for use in fire suppression systemswhich provides for a choice between pressure test, pressure relief, anddrain/test fluid flow capability, and which is less subject toaccidental opening and closing and a system which is less prone to thecreation of the water hammer effect. In addition, there exists a needfor a means to insulate the spring from the system fluid in order toincrease the useful life of the valve.

As described above, fire-control sprinkler systems are connected to apressurized water supply. Further, such systems are typically connectedusing at least one fire control riser. Such fire control risers aretypically connected between the pressurized water supply and the systemof piping comprising the sprinkler heads. This invention relates to allsuch fire control risers, but more particularly to unitary risers of thetype disclosed in the mentioned cross-references above.

Even further, the riser is generally installed prior to many types ofconstruction activities, for example, application of gypsum board andpainting. Often, extraneous construction materials come into contactwith the riser or one of its components. There is a need to protect theriser from construction activities and extraneous materials. Also, forthe foregoing reasons, there is a need for a fire-control sprinklersystem with improved riser, component, and arrangement structures of thekind below described.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

A primary object and feature of the present invention is to fulfill theabove-mentioned needs by the provision of a multifunction unitary valvesystem for providing pressure test, pressure relief, and drain/testfluid flow capability. Another primary object of the present inventionis to fulfill the above-mentioned needs by the provision of a sprinklerriser system having an efficient unitary manifold construction. Afurther object is to provide an improved method of component connection.A further object and feature of the present invention is to provide sucha system providing a protective enclosure for a fire-control sprinklersystem comprising a fire-control riser system. It is a further objectand feature of the present invention to provide such a system, whichprovides a protective enclosure for support stability for a unitarymanifold riser system for porting to system components. It is a furtherobject and feature of the present invention to provide such a systemthat protects such riser systems from damage during the constructionprocess. It is a further object and feature of the present invention toprovide a fire-control riser system substantially comprised of plasticmaterial. Also, it is an object and feature to provide a fire-controlsprinkler riser system comprising at least one plastic riser componentas well as improvements to flow switch devices and to provide new flowswitch devices combining multiple functions heretofore not found in flowswitch devices. It is a further object and feature of the presentinvention to provide such a system in a kit. It is a further object andfeature of the present invention to provide such a system that utilizesno-thread attachment or threaded attachment. It is a further object andfeature of the present invention to provide such a system that providesmultiple mounting methods for riser attachments. It is a further objectand feature of the present invention to provide such a system with animproved flow switch coupling-attachment system. It is a further objectand feature of the present invention to provide such a system whereinthe flow switch comprises a flow volume sensor. It is a further objectand feature of the present invention to provide such a system whereinthe flow switch comprises a fluid pressure sensor. It is a furtherobject and feature of the present invention to provide such a systemthat provides a method of manufacture, assembly and shipping of all orpart of the system. A further primary object and feature of the presentinvention is to provide such a system, which is efficient, inexpensive,and handy. Other objects and features of this invention will becomeapparent with reference to the following descriptions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there isprovided a multi-function unitary valve system for use in a fluid systemcontaining a fluid and having pressure testing, pressure relief, anddrain/test free fluid flow capability, comprising, in combination: avalve body having an inlet portion, an outlet portion, and a valve seat;a valve riser affixed to such valve body and having an exterior surfaceand an internal bore; a valve stem concentrically disposed within suchvalve riser and having an upper portion and a lower portion; a firstsealer, to assist sealing at such valve seat, affixed to such lowerportion of such valve stem and structured and arranged for engagementwith such valve seat when such valve stem is lowered; a controller,adjustably attached to such exterior surface of such valve riser,structured and arranged to implement raising and lowering of such valvestem; an engaging element, structured and arranged to attach to suchvalve stem adjacent such upper portion of such valve stem and to engagesuch controller; and an urger structured and arranged to urge such firstsealer towards such valve seat.

Further, in accordance with a preferred embodiment thereof, thisinvention provides a multi-function unitary valve system for use in afluid system containing a fluid and having pressure testing, pressurerelief, and drain/test free fluid flow capability, comprising, incombination: a valve body having an inlet portion, an outlet portion,and a valve seat; a valve riser affixed to such valve body and having anupper end and having an internal bore; a valve stem concentricallydisposed within such valve riser and having an upper portion and a lowerportion; a first sealing means for assisting sealing at such valve seat,affixed to such lower portion of such valve stem and structured andarranged for engagement with such valve seat when such valve stem islowered; a control means, adjustably attached to such upper end of suchvalve riser, for implementing raising and lowering of such valve stem;an engagement means, structured and arranged for attachment adjacentsuch upper portion of such valve stem, for engaging such control means;an urging means for urging such first sealing means towards such valveseat; and a blocking means, removably affixed in such control means, forimplementing blocking of movement of such valve stem away from suchvalve seat.

Also, it provides such a system wherein such control means comprises ahandle having a threaded recessed upper portion; and, further, whereinsuch blocking means comprises a blocking plug having an externallythreaded substantially cylindrical portion structured and arranged forengagement with such threaded recessed upper portion of such handle. Andit provides such a system wherein such first sealing means is displacedfrom such valve seat when such control means is in a raised position,whereby such drain/test free fluid flow capability is provided. Further,it provides such a system wherein such first sealing means is removablyseated against such valve seat when such control means is in a loweredposition, whereby such pressure relief capability is provided. Also, itprovides such a system wherein such first sealing means is irremovablyseated against such valve seat when such valve stem is blocked by suchblocking means, whereby pressure testing capability is provided.

Moreover, the present invention provides such a multi-function unitaryvalve system wherein such engagement means comprises a threadedfastener. It also provides such a system wherein an upper portion ofsuch valve stem comprises a threaded portion structured and arranged forengagement with such threaded fastener. Further, it provides such asystem wherein such upper end of such valve riser comprises an upperriser threaded portion. Still further, it provides such a system whereinsuch handle further comprises a substantially cylindrical lower endhaving a threaded interior recess structured and arranged to engage suchupper riser threaded portion. Also it provides such a system whereinsuch urging means comprises a helical spring structured and arranged forlocation adjacent such upper portion of such valve stem.

In addition, the present invention provides such a multi-functionunitary valve system wherein: such first sealing means is displaced fromsuch valve seat when such control means is in a raised position, wherebysuch drain/test free fluid flow is provided; such first sealing means isremovably seated against such valve seat when such control means is in alowered position, whereby such pressure relief capability is provided;and such first sealing means is irremovably seated against such valveseat when such valve stem is blocked by such blocking means and whensuch control means is in a lowered position, whereby pressure testingcapability is provided. It also provides such a system wherein suchengagement means comprises an annular washer and such first sealingmeans comprises a valve washer.

In addition, the present invention provides such a multi-functionunitary valve system further comprising a second sealing means, attachedto such lower portion of such valve stem between such helical spring andsuch valve seat, for essentially preventing such fluid from contactingsuch helical spring. Also, it provides such a system wherein such secondsealing means comprises an essentially rubber material. Still further,it provides such a system further comprising an adjustment means,disposed within such internal bore, for adjusting such urging of suchurging means. Even further, it provides such a system furthercomprising: a second sealing means, attached to such lower portion ofsuch valve stem, for essentially preventing such fluid from contactingsuch urging means; and an adjustment means, disposed within suchinternal bore, for adjusting such urging of such urging means.

Further, in accordance with a preferred embodiment thereof, thisinvention provides a multi-function unitary valve system for use in afluid system containing a fluid and having pressure testing, pressurerelief, and test/drain free fluid flow capability, comprising, incombination: a valve body having an inlet portion, an outlet portion,and a valve seat; a valve riser, affixed to such valve body, having anupper riser threaded portion and having an internal bore defined by ariser inner wall; a valve stem concentrically disposed within such valveriser and having an upper portion and a lower portion; a first sealingmeans for assisting sealing at such valve seat, affixed to such lowerportion of such valve stem and structured and arranged for engagementwith such valve seat when such valve stem is lowered; a handle having athreaded recessed upper portion and a substantially cylindrical lowerportion having a threaded internal recess structured and arranged forreleasable attachment with such upper riser threaded portion; a blockingplug having an externally threaded substantially cylindrical lowerportion structured and arranged for engagement with such threadedrecessed upper portion of such handle; an engagement means, structuredand arranged for attachment adjacent such upper portion of such valvestem, for engaging such control means; a helical spring, disposed withinsuch valve riser, for urging such first sealing means against such valveseat. And it provides such a system wherein such riser inner wallcomprises a threaded portion.

Yet in addition, it provides such a system further comprising a tensiondisk, such tension disk comprising: a substantially cylindrical outersurface comprising external threads structured and arranged to engagesuch threaded portion of such riser inner wall; a concentric aperturestructured and arranged to allow unobstructed movement of such valvestem through such concentric aperture; and a bottom disk surfacestructured and arranged for engagement with a top coil of such helicalspring. And it provides such a system further comprising a gasket,attached to such lower portion of such valve stem, structured andarranged for slidable engagement with such riser inner wall, wherebysuch fluid is essentially prevented from contacting such helical spring.It also provides such a system further comprising a gasket, attached tosuch lower portion of such valve stem, sized and arranged for slidableengagement with such riser inner wall, whereby such fluid is essentiallyprevented from contacting such helical spring.

Even moreover, this invention provides such a system wherein such handleis structured and arranged to displace such first sealing means fromsuch valve seat when such handle is in a raised position whereby suchtest/drain free fluid flow capability is provided. And it provides sucha system wherein such handle is structured and arranged to removablyseat such first sealing means against such valve seat when such handleis in a lowered position whereby such pressure relief capability isprovided. It also provides such a system wherein such handle isstructured and arranged to irremovably seat such first sealing meansagainst such valve seat when: said handle is in a lowered position andsaid blocking plug is affixed to such handle, whereby such pressure testcapability is provided. And it provides such a system wherein: saidengagement means comprises a threaded fastener; said upper portion ofsuch valve stem comprises a threaded portion structured and arranged forengagement with such threaded fastener; and said first sealing meanscomprises a valve washer; and, further, wherein said engagement meanscomprises an annular washer, and said first sealing means comprises avalve washer.

Yet further, according to a preferred embodiment thereof, this inventionprovides a multi-function unitary valve system for use in a fluid systemcontaining a fluid and having pressure testing, pressure relief, anddrain/test free fluid flow capability, comprising, in combination: avalve body having an inlet portion, an outlet portion, and a valve seat;a valve riser affixed to such valve body and having an upper end; avalve stem concentrically disposed within such valve riser and having anupper portion and a lower portion; a first sealing means for assistingsealing at such valve seat, affixed to such lower portion of such valvestem and structured and arranged for engagement with such valve seatwhen such valve stem is lowered; a blocking means for implementingblocking of movement of such valve stem away from such valve seat; andan urging means for urging such first sealing means towards such valveseat; and a second sealing means, attached to such lower portion of suchvalve stem, for essentially preventing such fluid from contacting suchurging means. And it provides such a system wherein such first sealingmeans is irremovably seated against such valve seat when such valve stemis blocked by such blocking means, whereby pressure testing capabilityis provided.

Additionally, in accordance with a preferred embodiment, this inventionprovides a multi-function unitary valve system for use with a valvehaving a valve seat, a valve washer, a valve stem, a valve riser, arotary handle threadedly held by such valve riser, and a blockingelement held by such rotary handle, and providing, for use in a fluidsystem containing a fluid, a pressure testing, pressure relief, anddrain/test free fluid flow function, comprising the pressure testingsteps of: manipulating such rotary handle until such valve washer isseated against such valve seat; affixing such blocking element in suchrotary handle; manipulating such blocking element until such blockingelement contacts such valve stem; pressurizing such fluid system to apre-determined testing pressure; and manipulating such rotary handle,holding such blocking element, until such valve washer is displaced fromsuch valve seat, whereby such pressure is relieved in such fluid system.

It further provides such a valve system wherein such controllercomprises a receiver system structured and arranged to removably receivea valve-stem-movement blocker; and, also, further comprising a suchvalve-stem-movement blocker, removably affixable in such receiver systemof such controller, structured and arranged to implement blocking ofmovement of such valve stem away from such valve seat. And it providessuch a system wherein such outlet portion of such valve body comprises adownward facing faucet opening; and, further, wherein such valve risercomprises an integral element of such valve body; and, further, whereinsuch outlet portion of such valve body comprises a downward facingfaucet opening; and, further, wherein said controller comprises anapproximately round cylindrical outer surface having indentationsstructured and arranged to assist a user to grip such controller forturning such controller. It also provides such a system furthercomprising an adjuster, disposed within such internal bore, structuredand arranged to adjust such urger.

Moreover, according to a preferred embodiment thereof, this inventionprovides a multi-function unitary valve system for use in a fluid systemcontaining a fluid and having pressure testing, pressure relief, anddrain/test free fluid flow capability, comprising, in combination: avalve body having an inlet portion, an outlet portion, and a valve seat;a valve riser affixed to such valve body and having an upper end; avalve stem concentrically disposed within such valve riser and having anupper portion and a lower portion; a first sealer, to assist sealing atsuch valve seat, affixed to such lower portion of such valve stem andstructured and arranged for engagement with such valve seat when suchvalve stem is lowered; a blocker system structured and arranged toassist implementation of blocking of movement of such valve stem awayfrom such valve seat; an urger structured and arranged to urge suchfirst sealer towards such valve seat; and a second sealer, attached tosuch lower portion of such valve stem, structured and arranged toessentially prevent such fluid from contacting such urger.

Further, it provides such a system wherein such blocker system comprisesa blocker element removably affixable in such valve system; and, also,further comprising a controller, adjustably attached to such valveriser, structured and arranged to implement raising and lowering of suchvalve stem, wherein such controller is structured and arranged toremovably receive such blocker element; and, further, wherein such valveriser comprises an integral element of such valve body; and, further,wherein such outlet portion of such valve body comprises a downwardfacing faucet opening; and, further, wherein such controller comprisesan approximately round cylindrical outer surface having indentationsstructured and arranged to assist a user to grip such controller forturning such controller.

Yet in addition, according to a preferred embodiment thereof, thisinvention provides a riser of the type connecting a water supply pipe ofa structure to a sprinkler system pipe of the structure comprising, incombination: a first longitudinal pipe, having a first end and a secondend, structured and arranged to connect to the water supply pipe at suchfirst end and to the sprinkler system pipe at such second end; andextending transversely from such longitudinal pipe and all aligned inparallel relation along a first side of such longitudinal pipe, multipleports, each such port being structured and arranged to attach to atleast one sprinkler system component having at least one capabilityselected from the group consisting of safety capabilities, testcapabilities, and monitoring capabilities.

Also, it provides such a riser further comprising, extendingtransversely from such first longitudinal pipe along a second side ofsuch longitudinal pipe about 180 degrees opposed to such first side, asupport, directly attached to such first longitudinal pipe, structuredand arranged to assist attachment of such riser to the structure. And itprovides such a riser wherein each such port is structured and arrangedto attach to at least one sprinkler system component having at least oneof the following capabilities: a flow-switch capability for monitoringdelivery of the water flow to sprinklers of the sprinkler system; atest-and-drain-valve capability for testing and draining the sprinklersystem; a pressure-gauge capability for monitoring water pressure in thesprinkler system; a relief-valve capability for providing over-pressurerelief for the sprinkler system. It also provides such a system whereinsuch port nearest such first end of such longitudinal pipe is structuredand arranged to assist attachment to a flow switch; and, further,wherein said first longitudinal pipe is no more than about thirteeninches long; and, further, wherein said first longitudinal pipe is nomore than about eleven inches long. And it provides such a riser whereinsuch port nearest such first end of such first longitudinal pipecomprises a flange connection structured and arranged to assist directno-pipe-thread attachment of a flow switch.

It further provides such a riser wherein such flange connection isconstructed and arranged for direct no-pipe-thread attachment of a flowswitch of the type comprising a housing including a face plate, asensing switch within the housing, a sensing paddle outside the housingand connected by a connector member through the face plate to thesensing switch, screw attachments for connecting the face plate to aflange member, and a cylindrical seal member, co-axial with the sensingpaddle and encircling the connector member, for sealing aface-plate-to-flange-member connection. And it provides such a riserwherein such flange connection comprises: a flange; a smooth female borecentral to such flange of such flange connection; wherein such flangecomprises at least two flange connectors each structured and arranged toassist a connection to the flow meter. And it provides such a riserwherein such flange connection comprises: a flange; a male hollow roundcylinder element extending outwardly and centrally from such flange;wherein such male hollow round cylinder element comprises at least oneexternal sealer structured and arranged to seal a flow meter of the typecomprising a female bore connector; wherein such flange comprises atleast two flange connectors each structured and arranged to assist aconnection to the flow meter. It also provides such a riser wherein suchflange connection comprises: a flange; wherein such flange comprisesexternal threads structured and arranged to match internal threads of aflow meter connection element; and wherein an outer face of such flangecomprises a flat surface structured and arranged for sealing against aface of the flow meter connection element.

Furthermore, it provides such a riser wherein such multiple portscomprises three such ports in the following order in a direction fromsuch first end of such first longitudinal pipe to such second end ofsuch first longitudinal pipe: a first such port structured and arrangedto attach to at least one sprinkler system component having at least aflow-switch capability for monitoring delivery of the water flow tosprinklers of the sprinkler system; a second such port structured andarranged to attach to at least one sprinkler system component having atleast a test-and-drain-valve capability for testing and draining thesprinkler system and a relief-valve capability for providingover-pressure relief for the sprinkler system; a third such portstructured and arranged to attach to at least one sprinkler systemcomponent having at least a pressure-gauge capability for monitoringwater pressure in the sprinkler system.

It also provides such a riser wherein such multiple ports comprises twosuch ports in the following order in a direction from such first end ofsuch first longitudinal pipe to such second end of such firstlongitudinal pipe: a first such port structured and arranged to attachto at least one sprinkler system component having at least a flow-switchcapability for monitoring delivery of the water flow to sprinklers ofthe sprinkler system; a second such port structured and arranged toattach to at least two sprinkler system components each having at leastone of the following capabilities: a test-and-drain-valve capability fortesting and draining the sprinkler system, a relief-valve capability forproviding over-pressure relief for the sprinkler system, apressure-gauge capability for monitoring water pressure in the sprinklersystem. It also provides such a riser wherein such second port isstructured and arranged to attach to two sprinkler system components: afirst sprinkler system component having a pressure-gauge capability formonitoring water pressure in the sprinkler system; and a secondsprinkler system component having a test-and-drain-valve capability fortesting and draining the sprinkler system, and a relief-valve capabilityfor providing over-pressure relief for the sprinkler system.

Yet in addition, it provides such a riser wherein such second portcomprises a second longitudinal pipe extending from and perpendicular tosuch first longitudinal pipe and wherein such second longitudinal pipecomprises two component attachment structures: a first componentattachment structure suitable to assist in attaching a pressure gaugefor monitoring water pressure in the sprinkler system; and a secondcomponent attachment structure suitable to assist in attaching a valvehaving at least a test-and-drain-valve capability for testing anddraining the sprinkler system; and, further, wherein such risercomprises a molded plastic; and, further, wherein such riser comprisesessentially CPVC. It also provides such a riser further comprising: atabout 90 degrees from such first side of such longitudinal pipe, firstindicia indicating a water flow direction and second indicia indicatingport identifications; and at about 270 degrees from such first side ofsuch longitudinal pipe, third indicia indicating a water flow directionand fourth indicia indicating port identifications; said indiciacomprising symbols raised above a surface level of such riser. It alsoprovides such a riser wherein such support comprises pedestal meansincluding mounting flange means comprising a mounting hole for assistingattachment of such unitary means to such structure; and, further,wherein such mounting hole is slanted away at an acute angle from adirection perpendicular to such longitudinal pipe.

Moreover, according to a preferred embodiment thereof, this inventionprovides a sprinkler system riser unit for supplying water from a watersupply pipe of a structure to a sprinkler system pipe of such structurecomprising, in combination: a first longitudinal pipe, having a firstend and a second end, structured and arranged to connect to the watersupply pipe at such first end and to the sprinkler system pipe at suchsecond end; and extending transversely from such longitudinal pipe andall aligned in parallel relation along a first side of such longitudinalpipe, multiple ports, each such port being structured and arranged toattach to at least one sprinkler system component having at least onecapability selected from the group consisting of safety capabilities,test capabilities, and monitoring capabilities; extending transverselyfrom such first longitudinal pipe along a second side of suchlongitudinal pipe about 180 degrees opposed to such first side, asupport, directly attached to such first longitudinal pipe, structuredand arranged to assist attachment of such riser to the structure;wherein each such port is structured and arranged to attach to at leastone sprinkler system component having at least one of the followingcapabilities: a flow-switch capability for monitoring delivery of thewater flow to sprinklers of the sprinkler system; a test-and-drain-valvecapability for testing and draining the sprinkler system; apressure-gauge capability for monitoring water pressure in the sprinklersystem; a relief-valve capability for providing over-pressure relief forthe sprinkler system; wherein such port nearest such first end of suchlongitudinal pipe is structured and arranged to assist attachment to aflow switch; and attached to such riser, the following such sprinklersystem components: a flow switch to monitor delivery of water flow tosprinklers of the sprinkler system; a multipurpose valve comprising atest and drain valve to test and drain the sprinkler system, such testand drain valve including a relief valve to provide over-pressure relieffor the sprinkler system; a pressure gauge to monitor water pressure inthe sprinkler system.

And it provides such a riser unit wherein such multipurpose valvecomprises, in combination: a valve body having an inlet portion, anoutlet portion, and a valve seat; a valve riser affixed to such valvebody and having an upper end; a valve stem concentrically disposedwithin such valve riser and having an upper portion and a lower portion;a first sealer, to assist sealing at such valve seat, affixed to suchlower portion of such valve stem and structured and arranged forengagement with such valve seat when such valve stem is lowered; ablocker system structured and arranged to assist implementation ofblocking of movement of such valve stem away from such valve seat; andan urger structured and arranged to urge such first sealer towards suchvalve seat. And it provides such a riser unit wherein said multipurposevalve further comprises a second sealer, attached to such lower portionof such valve stem, structured and arranged to essentially prevent suchfluid from contacting such urger.

It further provides such a riser manifold unitary means wherein suchriser manifold unitary means is constructed essentially of a moldedplastic material; and, further, wherein such riser manifold unitarymeans is constructed essentially of a molded CPVC material.

Also, according to a preferred embodiment thereof, this inventionprovides, in a system for connecting a flow switch to a longitudinalpipe for monitoring water flow through such longitudinal pipe, such flowswitch being of the type comprising a housing including a face plate, asensing switch within such housing, a sensing paddle outside suchhousing and connected by a connector member through such face plate tosuch sensing switch, screw attachments for connecting such face plate toa flange member, and a cylindrical seal member, co-axial with suchsensing paddle and encircling such connector member, for sealing suchface-plate-to-flange connection, the steps of: providing an attachmentpipe extending transversely from such longitudinal pipe along a firstside of such longitudinal pipe, such attachment pipe comprising, at anouter end of such attachment pipe, a flange, comprising a cylindricalcounterbore co-axial with such attachment pipe, for directno-pipe-thread attachment of such flow switch to such attachment pipe insuch manner that such flow switch may monitor water flow through suchlongitudinal pipe; providing a such disassembled such flow switch withsuch face plate, such sensing paddle and connector member, and such sealmember; inserting such sensing paddle through such counterbore into suchattachment pipe in such manner that such seal member rests essentiallywithin such counterbore; connecting such face plate to such flange withsuch screw attachments in such manner as to seal suchface-plate-to-flange connection with such sensing paddle in place forsuch monitoring and permit such connector member to pass through suchface plate in position for connection to such sensing switch;reconnecting such connector member to such sensing switch; andreconnecting such housing to reassemble such flow switch.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, thisinvention provides a method of protecting at least one fire sprinklerriser system of a fire-protectable structure comprising the steps of:providing at least one protective enclosure around the at least one firesprinkler riser system; attaching such at least one protective enclosureto such fire-protectable structure; and operatively connecting such atleast one fire sprinkler riser system to a fire sprinkler system of suchfire-protectable structure. It also provides such a method furthercomprising: providing at least one closable access portal to such atleast one protective enclosure structured and arranged to permitmaintenance of such at least one fire sprinkler riser system. Further,it provides such a method wherein such at least one protective enclosurecomprises: at least one box sufficiently large to enclose such at leastone fire sprinkler riser system.

According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, thisinvention provides a method of supplying fire sprinkler riser systemsfor a fire-protectable structure comprising the steps of: providing atleast one fire sprinkler riser; providing at least one protectiveenclosure to protect such at least one fire sprinkler riser afterinstallation; mounting, before the installation, such at least one firesprinkler riser in such at least one protective enclosure; and providingtransportation of such mounted at least one fire sprinkler riser to atleast one installer. Also, it provides a method further comprising thestep of attaching at least one fire sprinkler riser component to such atleast one fire sprinkler riser prior to such mounting. It also providessuch a method further comprising the step of attaching at least one firesprinkler riser component to such at least one fire sprinkler riserafter such mounting.

Further, it provides such a method wherein such at least one protectiveenclosure comprises at least one closable access portal. And, itprovides such a method wherein such at least one protective enclosurefurther comprises storage means for storing replacement sprinkler heads.It also provides such a method wherein such at least one protectiveenclosure further comprises indicia means for instructing at least oneuser concerning the at least one fire sprinkler riser system.

According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, thisinvention provides a fire protection system for connecting at least onewater supply to at least one fire sprinkler system of a fire-protectablestructure comprising, in combination: at least one riser systemcomprising at least one riser; and, at least one enclosure structuredand arranged to substantially enclose and protect such at least oneriser system; wherein such at least one riser system is mounted to suchat least one enclosure. And, it provides such a system wherein said atleast one enclosure further comprises at least one closable accessportal structured and arranged to permit maintenance of said at leastone riser system.

Additionally, it provides such a system wherein said at least oneenclosure comprises at least one box sufficiently large to enclose andprotect said at least one riser system. Further, it provides such asystem wherein said at least one protective enclosure further comprisesstorage means for storing replacement sprinkler heads; wherein said atleast one enclosure further comprises indicia means for instructing atleast one user concerning the at least one riser system; and, whereinsaid at least one enclosure comprises attachment means for assistingattachment of said enclosure to such fire-protectable structure.

Furthermore, it provides such a system further comprising at least onecomponent attached to said riser wherein said at least one componentprovides at least one function selected from the group consisting of: aflow switch function to monitor water flow through the at least one firesprinkler system; a test and drain valve function to test and drain theat least one fire sprinkler system; a pressure gauge function to monitorwater pressure in the at least one fire sprinkler system; and, a reliefvalve function to provide over-pressure relief for the at least one firesprinkler system.

Moreover, it provides such a system wherein said at least one risercomprises a unitary structure. And, it provides such a system whereinsaid at least one enclosure is structured and arranged to fitsubstantially within wall framing supports of a wall within thefire-protectable structure. It also provides such a system wherein saidat least one enclosure comprises at least one box having at least onefirst opening for at least one ingress water supply and at least onesecond opening for at least one water egress to at least one sprinklerof the at least one fire sprinkler system.

Additionally, it provides such a system wherein said at least one riserconsists essentially of a plastic material. And, it provides such asystem wherein said at least one enclosure consists essentially of atleast one material selected from the following group: plastic, metal,composite material, at least two of the above materials. It evenprovides such a system wherein said enclosure comprises at least onemud-ring. And, it provides such a system wherein elements of saidindicia means comprise information selected from the group consistingessentially of: instructions, test data, troubleshooting information,hydraulic calculations. It also provides such a system wherein said atleast one closable access portal comprises at least one transparentwindow. Also, it provides a computer system structured and arranged toprovide selected monitoring of functions of the fire protection system.

According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, thisinvention provides an apparatus for use in a fire-protectable structureadjacent a location of at least one fire sprinkler system of afire-protectable structure comprising, in combination: at least oneportable enclosure structured and arranged to protect at least one firesprinkler riser system when substantially interior to said at least oneportable enclosure from normally damaging elements exterior to said atleast one portable enclosure; at least one first aperture in said atleast one portable enclosure structured and arranged to permit entryinto said at least one portable enclosure of at least one firesuppressant supply line, and at least one second aperture in said atleast one portable enclosure structured and arranged to permit entryinto said at least one portable enclosure of at least one firesuppressant egress line; wherein said at least one portable enclosurecomprises at least one closable access portal structured and arranged topermit maintenance of the at least one fire sprinkler riser system; andwherein said at least one portable enclosure is attachable to at leastone portion of the at least one fire-protectable structure adjacent alocation of the at least one fire sprinkler riser system. Further, itprovides such an apparatus further comprising at least one user-optionknock-out aperture.

According to yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention,this invention provides at least one unitary riser for use in at leastone fire sprinkler system of a fire-protectable structure comprisingsubstantially plastic. It also provides such a unitary riser furthercomprising at least one bracket structured and arranged to assistattachment of said at least one unitary riser to the fire-protectablestructure. And, it provides such a unitary riser wherein at least onesaid at least one bracket is aligned with at least one port of said atleast one unitary riser; wherein at least one said at least one bracketis perpendicular to at least one port of said at least one unitaryriser; and wherein at least one said at least one bracket is integral tosaid at least one unitary riser. Further, it provides such a unitaryriser comprising substantially CPVC plastic.

Moreover, it provides such a unitary riser further comprising: at leastone component wherein said at least one component provides at least onefunction selected from the group consisting of: a flow switch functionto monitor water flow through the at least one fire sprinkler system, atest and drain valve function to test and drain the at least one firesprinkler system, a pressure gauge function to monitor water pressure inthe at least one fire sprinkler system, and a relief valve function toprovide over-pressure relief for the at least one fire sprinkler system;and a plurality of ports wherein at least one of said plurality of portsis attached to said at least one component.

Even further, it provides such a unitary riser wherein said at least oneof said plurality of ports is structured and arranged to provide agluable-connection. Still further, it provides such a unitary riserfurther comprising indicia means for providing information to at leastone user.

According to yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention,this invention provides a riser system for use in at least one firesprinkler system of a fire-protectable structure comprising at least oneunitary riser having at least one integral bracket structured andarranged to attach said at least one unitary riser to thefire-protectable structure.

According to still another preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, this invention provides a flow switch system for monitoringwater flow through at least one fire sprinkler system wherein the flowswitch comprises: at least one first flow indicator structured andarranged to indicate the water flow; and at least one second flow-volumeindicator structured and arranged to indicate water flow volume. And, itprovides such a system wherein said at least one second flow-volumeindicator is numerically readable. It also provides such a systemwherein said at least one second flow-volume indicator is electronicallyreadable.

According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, thisinvention provides a flow switch system for monitoring water flowthrough at least one riser of a fire sprinkler system of afire-protectable structure comprising at least one flow switchcomprising a readable gauge wherein said flow switch is structured andarranged so that, when said flow switch is installed adjacent a wall ofthe fire-protectable structure, a readable face of said readable gaugeis parallel to the wall.

According to yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention,this invention provides a flow switch system for monitoring water flowthrough at least one fire sprinkler system comprising a fail-safeelectronic monitoring system.

Still further, according to still another preferred embodiment of thepresent invention, this invention provides a unitary riser system foruse in at least one fire sprinkler system of a fire-protectablestructure comprising at least one integral backflow valve. And, itprovides such a system wherein said at least one integral backflow valveis structured and arranged to connect to a flow switch indicator.

Even further, according to another preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, this invention provides a riser system for use in at leastone fire sprinkler system of a fire-protectable structure comprising atleast one integral backflow valve connected to a flow switch indicator.

According to still another preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, this invention provides a flow switch attachment system forattaching at least one flow switch to at least one riser of at least onefire sprinkler system of a fire-protectable structure comprising: atleast one first coupler; and at least one second coupler, attachable tothe at least one flow switch, structured and arranged to removablycouple to said at least one first coupler; wherein said at least onefirst coupler comprises at least one first end and at least one secondend; wherein said at least one first end is structured and arranged tosealably attach to the at least one riser; wherein said at least onesecond end is structured and arranged to sealably attach to said atleast one second coupler; wherein said at least one first end comprisesat least one attachment selected from the following group: screwthreads, adhesive, welding; and wherein the at least one flow switch maybe sealably attached to the at least one riser utilizing said at leastone coupling.

According to yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention,this invention provides a flow switch system for monitoring water flowthrough at least one riser of a fire sprinkler system of afire-protectable structure comprising: at least one flow switch; whereinsaid at least one flow switch comprises at least one water pressureindicator structured and arranged to indicate water pressure in said atleast one riser. This invention also provides each and every noveldetail, feature, article, process, system and/or method disclosed in ormentioned by or shown in this specification, including the drawings, theclaims, the abstract, and any appendices.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the sprinklersystem riser unit of the present invention, showing sprinkler systemcomponents attached.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the riser manifold (riser) of thepreferred embodiment of FIG. 1 without components attached.

FIG. 3 is a front view, partially in section, of a matching embodimentof the flow meter switch attachment to the riser manifold flow meterport of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the riser manifoldflow meter port of the sprinkler system riser unit of the presentinvention.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 5,showing also the connector parts of a matching flow meter.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of yet another preferred embodiment of theriser manifold flow meter port of the sprinkler system riser unit of thepresent invention.

FIG. 8 is cross-sectional plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 7, showingalso the connector parts of a matching flow meter.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another preferred embodiment of a risermanifold according to the present invention, with a preferred embodimentof a test, drain and pressure relief valve attached.

FIG. 10 is an exploded view of the test, drain and pressure relief valvemajor components according to a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention illustrated in FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the test, drain and pressure reliefvalve embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9.

FIG. 12 is an exploded view of another preferred embodiment of the test,drain and pressure relief valve components of the present invention asillustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 13 is a cross sectional view of the test, drain and pressure reliefvalve embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 12.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of another preferred embodiment of thevalve system of the present invention in pressure relief mode.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the preferred embodiment of thevalve system of FIG. 14 with blocking plug installed for pressure testmode.

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the preferred embodiment of thevalve system of FIG. 14 with valve open for flow test mode.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the valvesystem of FIG. 14 of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a side view of the of the preferred embodiment of the valvesystem of FIG. 14 of the present invention installed in-line in apressurized water fire sprinkler system.

FIG. 19 is a partial cross-sectional view of yet another alternatepreferred embodiment of the valve system.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the tension disk for use in thealternate preferred embodiment of FIG. 19.

FIG. 21 is a partial cross-sectional view of the alternate preferredvalve system of FIG. 19 showing the location of the tension disk.

FIG. 22 is a partial cross sectional view of the valve system of FIG. 19showing a preferred valve stem arrangement.

FIG. 23 is an elevation view showing the details of the preferred valvestem arrangement for use with the valve system of FIG. 19.

FIG. 24 is a cross sectional view of an alternate preferred embodimentof a blocking plug.

FIG. 25 is a partial cross sectional view showing the arrangement of theblocking plug of FIG. 24 on the valve system so as to provide pressuretest capability.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a fire control sprinkler systemaccording to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 27 is a front view of the fire control sprinkler system, partiallyin section, according to another preferred embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 28 is a front view of the fire control sprinkler system accordingto a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a flow switch of the fire controlsprinkler system according to a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the flow switch of FIG. 29 with thefront cover in an open position according to a preferred embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 31 is a front view of a flow switch according to another preferredembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 32 is a front view of a flow switch according to another preferredembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 33 is an exploded perspective view of a plastic riser systemaccording to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 34 is a perspective view of a plastic riser system according to apreferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 35 is an exploded perspective view, of the plastic riser system ofFIG. 34 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 36 is an exploded perspective view, of a plastic riser systemaccording to another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 37 is a perspective view, of the plastic riser system of FIG. 33according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 38 is a perspective view of a two-port embodiment of a plasticriser according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 39 is an exploded perspective view of the two-port embodiment ofFIG. 38 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 40 is an exploded perspective view of a riser system according toanother embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 41 is a front view of a fire control sprinkler system according toanother preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 42 is a perspective view of a two-port riser according to anotherpreferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 43 is a perspective view of a three-port riser according to anotherpreferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 44 is a perspective view of a two-port riser system according toanother preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 45 is an exploded perspective view of the two-port riser system ofFIG. 42 with riser components according to another preferred embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 46 is a partially exploded, perspective view of a flow switchattachment system according to another preferred embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 47 is an exploded perspective view of the flow switch couplingattacher for the flow switch attachment system of FIG. 46 according toanother preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 48 is side view in section of the flow switch coupling assembly, ina disassembled position, according to another preferred embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 49 is another side view in section of the flow switch couplingassembly of FIG. 48, in an assembled position, according to anotherpreferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 50 is a sectional view through the section 50—50 of FIG. 51according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 51 is a perspective view of yet another riser system comprising anintegral backflow valve according to another preferred embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 52 is a front view of the riser of FIG. 51 installed in anenclosure according to another preferred embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 53 is a perspective diagram illustrating a preferred shippingmethod that may be used on any or all of the above described risersystems according to another preferred embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 54 is a diagrammatic view of a fire control sprinkler systemfurther comprising a computer control system according to yet anotherpreferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 55 illustrates a diagrammatic view of a preferred arrangement forthe flow switch control system according to another preferred embodimentof the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT AND THE BEST MODE OFPRACTICE

Reference is now made to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of apreferred embodiment of the sprinkler system riser unit of the presentinvention illustrated as preferably connected (with attached components)in a residential structure; and FIG. 2 is a perspective view of apreferred embodiment of the sprinkler system riser manifold only. Withparticular reference to FIG. 1, the riser unit 150 is preferably acomponent of a water sprinkler system for a residential fire protectionsystem. The riser unit 150 includes components used for monitoringdelivery of water to the sprinklers, monitoring water pressure,providing system over-pressure relief, and testing and draining thewater sprinkler system. Riser unit 150 incorporates a riser manifoldunitary means embodied by the one-piece manifold 151 to assist in makingconnections to the above-mentioned components as well as water systemconnections, all as hereinafter described.

Manifold 151 incorporates support means (for assisting attachment of theriser manifold unitary means to the structure) embodied by two pedestals152 for stabilizing of the riser unit 150 by attachment of the riserunit 150 to a convenient location of the residence's structure. Theriser unit 150 connects the residence's water piping to the sprinklersystem by two connections onto manifold 151: to connect to inlet meansembodied by water supply pipe 154 and standard pipe coupling 158 at theinlet 160; and to connect to outlet means embodied by sprinkler plumbingpipe 161 and standard pipe coupling 162 at the outlet 163. Othersuitable fittings may be used. Manifold 151 includes pipe threadattachment locations (on its side facing direction B, as shown in FIG.2) for system components as illustrated: flow switch means embodied byflow switch 165; test, drain and relief valve means embodied by test,drain and relief valve 166; pressure gauge means embodied by pressuregauge 168. There are also connections to riser unit 150 of a drain pipe169 at drain connection means embodied by elbow-fitting 170.

With particular reference to FIG. 2 and continued reference to FIG. 1,the riser unit 150 includes means for conveniently grouping, connectingand securely mounting various components of a fire prevention watersprinkler system. Although water sprinkler systems are custom tailoredfor each application with a varying quantity of sprinkler heads and avarying layout of interconnecting plumbing, the system components ofriser unit 150 remain reasonably consistent with most applications; andthe teachings of the present invention will apply even if in aparticular application only two ports for the described systemcomponents are cast into manifold 151 (as embodied and further shown inFIG. 9). The functioning of all the preferred components is as follows.A pressure gauge 168 indicates the pressure within the system and ismonitored for indication that ample pressure is available in the eventthat the sprinklers will be activated. Over-pressurization of a closedsystem can occur, from thermal expansion or other reasons. In apreferred embodiment of the present invention, a multi-function unitaryvalve system for providing pressure test, pressure relief, anddrain/test fluid flow capability is provided and illustrated in FIG. 12and FIG. 13. An alternate embodiment of the multi-function unitary valvesystem for providing pressure test, pressure relief, and drain/testfluid flow capability is provided and illustrated in FIG. 9, FIG. 10 andFIG. 11.

Referring now to FIG. 13, valve 180, is shown in cross-sectional view.Valve 180 consists of a standard globe valve body 182 (well-known tothose skilled in the art) of a predetermined size (readily selectable bythose skilled in the art) and having a fluid inlet side 183, a fluidoutlet side 184 and having an internally threaded upper portion 186.Disposed within the valve body 182 is a valve seat 187 which isstructured and arranged to engage a valve washer 188. The valve washer188 is preferably attached to valve stem 190 by use of a metal screw 192which is sized and arranged to engage an internally threaded recess 193disposed within the bottom end 194 of valve stem 190 (preferably made ofbrass). The screw 192 is further secured to the valve stem 190 with theuse of a screw thread locking product, preferably the product known as“Loctite” (TM) (preferably product #271 available from LoctiteCorporation of Newington, Conn.)]. Also, as shown in FIG. 10, the use ofa lock washer 319, of the type readily selectable by one skilled in suchart, is preferably used to further secure the screw to the valve stem316 (and 190 in FIG. 13).

To accomplish pressure relief capability, valve 180 incorporates the useof a valve stem helical spring 196 which exerts a predetermined pressureon the valve stem bottom end 194 and the valve washer 188. The valvestem helical spring 196 embodies herein an urging means for urging suchvalve washer towards such valve seat 187; and it also embodies an urgerstructured and arranged to urge such first sealer towards such valveseat. The predetermined pressure is that pressure which is required tomaintain the valve washer 188 against the valve seat 187 during standardfire sprinkler system operating pressure. The “not to exceed”predetermined pressure for fire sprinkler water systems is typically 175psi. Upon a given fire suppression system exceeding this predeterminedpressure, valve washer 188 will be displaced (provided that valve stem190 is not otherwise blocked from moving) from the valve seat 187thereby relieving system pressure (by releasing pressurized system fluidthrough fluid outlet side 184) and thus preventing damage to the systemcomponents. When the system pressure has returned to the operating “notto exceed” pressure, spring 196 automatically urges valve washer 188against valve seat 187 thereby sealing the system from further fluidloss.

Also shown in FIG. 13 is a valve riser 198, preferably made of a metalmaterial (brass), and having a threaded upper portion 199, a threadedlower portion 200, and having an internal bore portion 202 therein. Thethreaded lower portion 200 of valve riser 198 is sized to frictionallyengage the internally threaded upper portion 186 of valve body 182. Toassist in maintaining a tight connection between valve riser 198 andvalve body 182, a thread tightening product, preferably “Loctite” (TM),may be applied to the threaded lower portion 200 of valve riser 198 andthe internally threaded upper portion 186 of valve body 182. Internalbore portion 202 comprises a first bore section 204 and a second boresection 205. As shown in FIG. 13, first bore section 204 has a diametergreater than the second bore section 205 which is necessary to housespring 196 as shown. The second bore section 205 is sized so as to allowfor unobstructed movement of the valve stem 190 therein when the valveis arranged for pressure relief capability (locking plug 208 notinstalled). As FIG. 13 further illustrates, the present invention alsoprovides for a valve handle 210, preferably of the rotary type andpreferably made of a metal material. Valve handle 210 comprises a lowerportion 211 having a lower internally threaded recess 212, and an upperportion 214 having an upper internally threaded recess 215. Separatingeach respective recess 212 and 215 is a center portion 216 having anaxial hole 218 sized so as to allow unobstructed movement of valve stem190 therein when valve 180 is arranged for pressure relief capability.The lower internally threaded recess 212 of valve handle 210 isstructured and arranged for adjustable attachment to the threaded upperportion 199 of valve riser 198. In operation, opening of valve 180consists of manipulating the valve handle 210 (preferably by manuallyturning valve handle 210 counterclockwise) until the valve washer 188 isdisplaced from the valve seat 187. To facilitate lifting of the valvestem 190, a threaded fastener (preferably a stem bolt 220 as furthershown in FIG. 12) is attached, preferably by threaded attachment, to thevalve stem upper portion 222 (preferably having a threaded portion).Preferably stem bolt 220 also secures a washer 221 and a substantiallyannular tension disk 224, preferably consisting of a metal material andhaving a preferred thickness of about ¼ inch, for use in adjusting thetension on spring 196 so as to more thoroughly ensure that when thesystem pressure achieves the above mentioned “not-to-exceed” systempressure, the valve washer 188 is displaced from the valve seat 187.Stem bolt 220 embodies herein an engagement means, structured andarranged for attachment adjacent such upper portion of such valve stem,for engaging such control means; and it also embodies an engagingelement, structured and arranged to attach to such valve stem adjacentsuch upper portion of such valve stem and to engage such controller.

As shown in perspective in FIG. 12, the tension disk 224 is providedwith a concentric aperture 225, sized to allow unobstructed movement ofvalve stem 190 therethrough, and is further provided with substantiallycylindrical outer surface threaded portion 235 which is structured andarranged to engage the valve riser upper portion 199. Preferably,adjusting the tension in spring 196 consists of engaging the outersurface threaded portion 235 with the valve riser upper portion 199, andturning (in well known ways) the tension disk 224 so that it recedesinto the internal bore portion 202. When so positioned, the planarbottom surface 236 of tension disk 224 is in contact with the top coil238 of spring 196, as shown in FIG. 12. Subsequent such turns of thetension disk 224 results in further compression of spring 196 (with aresultant increase in spring tension) resulting in a correspondingincrease in the system pressure required to unseat the valve washer 188from the valve seat 187. The tension disk 224 embodies herein anadjustment means, disposed within such internal bore, for adjusting suchurging of such urging means; and it also embodies an adjuster, disposedwithin said internal bore, structured and arranged to adjust said urger.To avoid accidental or unauthorized adjustment of the tension in spring196, it is preferred (and often required by applicable safety codes)that spring 196 be factory adjusted prior to installing the valve 180 inthe particular fluid system and that the tension disk 224 be securedafter adjustment by a suitable thread tightening product, preferably theaforementioned Loctite (TM) product. To prevent fluid from escapingaround valve stem 190 when the valve 180 is in an open position, anO-ring-type gasket 226, of the kind readily selectable by one withordinary skill in such art, is attached to a circumferential groove 228on valve stem 190, as shown in FIG. 12.

Preferably, in one embodiment the valve 180 may also be structured andarranged to pressure test fire suppression systems as described below.Typically, hydrostatic pressure testing is required in piping systems inorder to ascertain the integrity of such systems against leakage and/orfaulty components. Commercial fire sprinkler systems typically require atest pressure of approximately 200 psi. Since the test pressuretypically exceeds the system pressure which will activate the pressurerelief function, this embodiment provides for a blocking plug 208 whichis structured and arranged to block movement of the valve stem 190 whenthe system “not to exceed” pressure is exceeded. The blocking plug 208is preferably made of a metal material and has a bottom surface 229, aplug upper portion 230 with a slot 232 for adjustment and a cylindricalexternally threaded plug lower portion 231. Obtaining pressure testcapability is achieved by simply turning valve handle 210 until valvewasher 188 is seated against valve seat 187. The blocking plug 208 isthen installed in valve handle 210 by attaching, preferably by athreaded attachment, the externally threaded plug lower portion 231 tothe upper internally threaded recess 215 of valve handle 210. Whenproperly installed, the bottom surface 229 of blocking plug 208 isseated against the valve stem top surface 234 as shown in FIG. 13.

To facilitate installation of blocking plug 208, the plug upper portion230 has, for example, as shown, a slot sized to fit a typical flat endscrewdriver. Upon completion of the pressure test, relieving the firesuppression system of excess pressure consists of simply turning thevalve handle 210 until the valve washer 188 is displaced from the valveseat 187 thereby allowing the pressurized fluid to escape through thefluid outlet side 184. The use of the blocking plug 208 has the furtheradvantage of maintaining the stem upper portion 222 disposed within theupper internal threaded recess 215 of valve handle 210 when the user isattempting to alleviate system pressure. This arrangement effectivelyprevents the sudden movement of the valve stem 190 which may come intocontact and injure the hand of the user.

Preferably valve 180 may be arranged for drain/test fluid flowcapability which is necessary to either drain the fire suppressionsystem or to check the integrity of the alarm system. As hereinbeforediscussed with respect to FIG. 13, opening of valve 180 consists ofmanipulating the valve handle 210 (preferably by manually turning valvehandle 210 counterclockwise). As the threads on the lower internallythreaded recess 212 travel along the corresponding threads on thethreaded upper portion 199 of valve riser 198, the valve handle 210rises (defined as the movement of valve handle 210 away from the valvebody 182). Continued turning of valve handle 210 causes handle centerportion 216 to exert pressure on washer 221 and stem bolt 220 therebyraising the valve stem 190 which, in turn, causes the valve washer 188to become displaced from the valve seat 187. Closing of valve 180consists of manipulating the valve handle 210 (preferably by manuallyturning valve handle 210 clockwise) thereby lowering valve handle 210(defined as movement of valve handle 210 towards the valve body 182) andthus allowing the tensile force in spring 196 to urge the valve washer188 against the valve seat 187. A further advantage of the presentinvention is that the valve handle 210 may be operated to open and closethe valve 180 even with the blocking plug 208 installed. As hereinbeforediscussed, this arrangement is beneficial in preventing injury to theuser when the user attempts to alleviate system pressure following apressure test. Further, the use of threaded portions on the valve riser198 and valve handle 210 allows for gradual and smooth opening andclosing of valve 180. This arrangement is helpful in preventing the“water hammer” effect which is caused when a flow of fluid through afluid system is suddenly halted thereby creating a reverberatingpressure wave in the fluid which may result in system damage.

Installation of valve 180 preferably comprises threaded attachment ofvalve body to conveniently accessible portion of the test and drainpiping 156 (FIG. 1), preferably comprising threaded pipe, from which thefire suppression fluid is removed from the fire suppression system toeither drain the system or check the alarm system integrity.

Referring further to FIG. 12, the details of the valve stem 190 of thepresent embodiment will now be disclosed. The valve stem 190 ispreferably made of a metal material and comprises a substantiallycylindrical upper stem portion 240 and a substantially cylindrical lowerstem portion 242 having a lower stem ledge portion 244 sized to supportthe lower coil 245 of spring 196. As shown, valve stem 190 is structuredso that the upper stem portion 240 has a smaller diameter than the lowerstem portion 242. The lower stem portion 242 is provided with a groove228 structured and arranged to receive a typical O-ring-type gasket 226,preferably comprising an essentially rubber material. The valve stem 190is sized and arranged for concentric placement within the internal boreportion 202 such that the lower stem portion 242 is adjacent the lowerinner riser portion 213 of valve riser 198. When the valve stem 190 isstructured and arranged in the above-mentioned fashion, the O-ringgasket 226 always remains in contact with the lower inner riser portion213 of valve riser 198 even when the valve washer 188 is fully displacedfrom the valve seat 187. This arrangement advantageously serves thepurpose of effectively insulating the spring from the system fluid,thereby prolonging the life of spring 190. The O-ring gasket 226embodies herein a second sealing means, attached to such lower portionof such valve stem between such helical spring and such valve seat, foressentially preventing such fluid from contacting such helical spring;and it also embodies herein a second sealer, attached to such lowerportion of such valve stem, structured and arranged to essentiallyprevent such fluid from contacting such urger.

To provide a means to manually raise valve stem 190, the valve 180 isprovided with an annular washer 221, of a type well known in such art,which is structured and arranged to engage handle center portion 216when the valve 180 is manually opened in accordance with theaforementioned disclosure accompanying FIG. 13. As shown in FIG. 12, theannular washer 221 is secured to the top surface 234 of valve stem 190by use of a stem bolt 220 fastener, preferably a threaded fastener,which is structured and arranged for receipt by the stem upper threadedrecess 237. To prevent system fluid from escaping past valve seat 187when valve 180 is in a closed position, the present embodiment of valve180 is provided with a lower stem ledge 247 structured and arranged tobe integrally attached adjacent the lower valve stem portion 242 ofvalve stem 190. Lower stem ledge 247 comprises a foot 241, preferablycomprising a metal material, having a substantially planar bottom end194 sized to receive valve washer 188. The valve washer 188, preferablycomprising a rubber-type material, is secured to the foot 241 with ametal screw fastener 192, preferably comprising a threaded fastener.

Preferably, configuring valve 180 for pressure test capability isachieved by simply turning valve handle 210 until the valve washer 188is seated against valve seat 187 (such as shown in FIG. 13). Theblocking plug 208 is then installed in valve handle 210 by attaching,preferably by a threaded attachment, the externally threaded body 231 tothe upper internally threaded recess 215 of valve handle 210. Whenproperly installed, the planar bottom surface 229 of blocking plug 208is seated against the head top surface 223 of fastener, stem bolt 220.To facilitate attachment of the blocking plug 208 in the aforementionedmanner, slot 232 is provided in the plug upper portion 230 which isstructured and arranged to receive the flat edge of a screwdriver orlike device.

Referring now to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, incorporated on riser unit 150 is aflow switch 165 which utilizes its included sensing paddle 171 (as shownin FIG. 3) to monitor water flow within the interior of manifold 151. Inthe event of sprinkler activation (or testing), water flow through riserunit 150 is recognized by flow switch 165 which activates its integralelectrical contacts and sends an electrical signal through attachedwiring (not shown). This electrical signal may typically then be used toactuate an alarm or bell within the residence and may additionally beused to notify a fire station.

To functionally connect these components together, manifold 151 isprovided. Manifold 151 is a one-piece casting, preferably with standardpipe thread connections at inlet 160, outlet 163, pressure gauge port154, and test and drain port 155, preferably as shown in FIG. 2. Flowswitch port 167 encompasses several embodiments further described below.The two pedestals 152 for mounting the manifold 151 are preferably castintegrally with mounting holes 153 provided, as shown. The longitudinalpipe means for guiding water flow from the water supply pipe to thesprinkler system pipe is embodied by manifold 151 which extends from afirst end 160 a at inlet 160 to a second end 163 a at outlet 163, bothof which outlets preferably have standard male, external pipe threadssized one inch N.P.T. (embodying herein also a first longitudinal pipe,having a first end and a second end, structured and arranged to connectto the water supply pipe at such first end and to the sprinkler systempipe at such second end). Located on manifold 151 (on its side facingdirection C, see especially FIG. 2), at about 90 degrees from thefirst-mentioned side (facing direction B, hereinafter sometimes calledside B) of manifold 151, are first indicia, embodied by arrow 172,indicating a water flow direction, and second indicia, embodied by portidentifications 174, indicating port identifications. Also located onmanifold 151 (on its side facing in direction D, sometimes hereinaftercalled side D), at about 270 degrees from first side B of manifold 151,are third indicia (similar to said first indicia) indicating a waterflow direction and fourth indicia (similar to said second indicia)indicating port identifications. All these just-mentioned indiciapreferably comprise symbols raised above a surface level of manifold 151Port identifications 174 are preferably worded GAUGE, TEST & DRAIN, andFLOW. Port identification 174 located at flow switch port 167additionally preferably has adjacent to it arrow 172 indicatingdirection of water flow within the manifold 151, as shown. Additionalindicia 173 cast into manifold 151 might include trade name and mark,part numbering, patent numbering, manufacturer, and phone number, etc.

A perspective view of manifold 151 is shown in FIG. 2. The manifold 151is preferably tubular in cross-section and preferably hollow its fulllength. Extending transversely (perpendicularly) from the longitudinalpipe means of manifold 151 and aligned in parallel relation along afirst side B of manifold 151 are multiple pipe thread attachment meansfor attaching sprinkler system components to manifold 151, suchattachment means being embodied by: pressure gauge port 154 whichpreferably has internal pipe threads sized one-quarter inch N.P.T.; flowswitch port 167 which preferably has multiple embodiments as describedbelow, and test, drain valve and relief port 155 which preferably hasexternal pipe threads sized one-half inch N.P.T. It is noted that,although such test, drain and relief valve ports are usually female andinternal, the casting in manifold 151 of male, external threads for suchport provides an efficient and direct connection to the usual test,drain and relief valve (i.e., it saves requiring a nipple to be added tothe port). This arrangement also embodies herein that, extendingtransversely from such longitudinal pipe and all aligned in parallelrelation along a first side of such longitudinal pipe, there aremultiple ports, each such port being structured and arranged to attachto at least one sprinkler system component having at least onecapability selected from the group consisting of safety capabilities,test capabilities, and monitoring capabilities. And it embodies alsosuch a system wherein each such port is structured and arranged toattach to at least one sprinkler system component having at least one ofthe following capabilities: a flow-switch capability for monitoringdelivery of the water flow to sprinklers of the sprinkler system; atest-and-drain-valve capability for testing and draining the sprinklersystem; a pressure-gauge capability for monitoring water pressure in thesprinkler system; a relief-valve capability for providing over-pressurerelief for the sprinkler system. And it further embodies a riser whereinsuch multiple ports comprises three such ports in the following order ina direction from such first end of such first longitudinal pipe to suchsecond end of such first longitudinal pipe: a first such port structuredand arranged to attach to at least one sprinkler system component havingat least a flow-switch capability for monitoring delivery of the waterflow to sprinklers of the sprinkler system; a second such portstructured and arranged to attach to at least one sprinkler systemcomponent having at least a test-and-drain-valve capability for testingand draining the sprinkler system and a relief-valve capability forproviding over-pressure relief for the sprinkler system; a third suchport structured and arranged to attach to at least one sprinkler systemcomponent having at least a pressure-gauge capability for monitoringwater pressure in the sprinkler system.

It is preferred (for embodiments like that of FIGS. 1 and 2) that thesystem components be attached to the pipe thread attachments of theports of manifold 151 in the following order with respect to a directionfrom the first end 160 a at the pipe threads of inlet 160 to the secondend 163 a at the pipe threads of outlet 163: flow switch means; test anddrain and relief valve means; and pressure gauge means. Also preferredin combination, for the reasons herein for this described embodiment,are the following dimensions: for the length of manifold 151, aboutthirteen inches; for the location of the center of flow switch port 167for flow switch 165, about three inches from first end 160 a of manifold151; for the location of the center of test and drain port 155 for test,drain and relief valve 166, about eight inches from first end 160 a ofmanifold 151; and, for the location of the center of pressure gauge port154 for pressure gauge 168, about eleven inches from first end 160 a ofmanifold 151.

The above preferred dimensions provide high efficiency in use of space,etc. The largest diameter system component is usually the pressuregauge, usually about three and one-half inches in diameter. And thesystem component usually having longest longitudinal extension for itsport center line is the flow switch, usually about three and 11/16inches. Considering all of the above and the importance and efficiency(in cost and space) of a minimum length riser while preserving theability to install the riser manifold for support to either side, theherein illustrated and disclosed arrangement and dimensions are animportant part of the present invention, according to a preferredembodiment thereof, and this arrangement embodies herein that said firstlongitudinal pipe is no more than about thirteen inches long.

Since the ports for the system components are all to one side (side B)of the manifold 151, and since the support connections, as forattachment to a beam of the residence, are all on the other side (theside facing in the direction A, hereinafter sometimes called side A) ofthe manifold 151, the manifold 151 may be connected facing either way,i.e., to a left support beam/wall or to a right support beam/wall.Furthermore, as indicated elsewhere herein, manifold 151 has indicia onboth manifold “facing” sides for indicating flow direction and portidentifications to a user from either side. Also, it is noted that acontrol means, embodied by handle 210, for operation of test, drain andrelief valve 166 may be attached so that handle 210 is facing in theillustrated direction, i.e., on the side B of manifold 151.

Pedestals 152 are located on the side A (180 degrees from side B) ofmanifold 151 and are oriented 180 degrees from the above-mentionedsystem component ports, as shown. Each pedestal 152 includes a mountingflange 159 attached to the manifold 151 by two stand-offs 157.

Manifold 151 is preferably cast in one piece (with all of its featuresincluded in the casting) preferably of a cast alloy material selectedfrom the following group: brass, bronze, copper or plastic. A suitableplastic material, for example, the material called “CPVC Orange”,approved for such uses, may preferably be used. Wall thickness of theriser manifold is generally relatively the same throughout and suitablefor the water pressure used.

Several embodiments of the flow switch port 167 will now be described.FIG. 2 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the flow switch port 167.Manifold 151 incorporates a flanged port 167 for the mounting of flowswitch 165, as an alternate to a common threaded flow switch port (notshown) of manifold 151. Flow switch 165 may, depending upon the type offlow switch preferred, have several mounting embodiments and thereforemultiple mounting embodiments of the flow switch mounting flange aredescribed. The flanged port of manifold 151 includes a mounting flange167, and is designed for direct mounting of flow switch 63, as shown.

In one preferred embodiment, the interface of flow switch 165 to theflanged port 167 of manifold 151 is mounting flange 175 which isillustrated further by FIG. 3 and FIG. 4. In this embodiment, the flowswitch 165 mates and secures to mounting face 252 of mounting flange 254with screws 250, as shown. Threaded holes 253 are provided in mountingflange 254 and are appropriately sized, spaced, and oriented to becompatible with the mounting requirements of flow switch 165. Mountingflange 254 also includes an equivalent and appropriately sizedcounterbore recess 258 with depths and diameters required for acceptingthe sensing paddle 171 and double O-ring seals 248 and 249 respectivelyof the flow switch “male” mounting flange 256. The flow switch 165mounting flange 254 is embodied as the “female” connection. Whenmounting the flow switch 165 (shown in FIG. 1) to the manifold 151, theflow switch 165 must first be disassembled. The method of disassembly iswell known by those skilled in the art. The sensing paddle 171 withO-ring seals 248 is inserted into the counterbore recess 258 of themounting flange 252 with the sensing paddle 171 oriented perpendicularto the axis of the manifold 151. The flanged port 167 is then installedonto the flange face 252 of the mounting flange 254, which firmlysandwiches the O-ring seals 248 between the mounting flange 254 and thewall of the counterbore recess 258, thus retaining the sensing paddle171. The flow switch may then be re-installed, and the cover 164re-installed, all in a straightforward manner to those with ordinaryskill in the art. This embodies a system for connecting a flow switch toa longitudinal pipe for monitoring water flow through such longitudinalpipe, such flow switch being of the type comprising a housing includinga face plate, a sensing switch within such housing, a sensing paddleoutside such housing and connected by a connector member through suchface plate to such sensing switch, screw attachments for connecting suchface plate to a flange member, and a cylindrical seal member, co-axialwith such sensing paddle and encircling such connector member, forsealing such face-plate-to-flange connection, the steps of: providing anattachment pipe extending transversely from such longitudinal pipe alonga first side of such longitudinal pipe, such attachment pipe comprising,at an outer end of such attachment pipe, a flange, comprising acylindrical counterbore co-axial with such attachment pipe, for directno-pipe-thread attachment of such flow switch to such attachment pipe insuch manner that such flow switch may monitor water flow through suchlongitudinal pipe; providing a such disassembled such flow switch withsuch face plate, such sensing paddle and connector member, and such sealmember; inserting such sensing paddle through such counterbore into suchattachment pipe in such manner that such seal member rests essentiallywithin such counterbore; connecting such face plate to such flange withsuch screw attachments in such manner as to seal suchface-plate-to-flange connection with such sensing paddle in place forsuch monitoring and permit such connector member to pass through suchface plate in position for connection to such sensing switch;reconnecting such connector member to such sensing switch; andreconnecting such housing to reassemble such flow switch.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional plan elevation view of flow switchconnection shown in FIG. 3 installed on the mounting flange 254 ofmanifold 151. Preferably, the male mounting flange 256 flange face 260mates and secures to mounting face 252 of mounting flange 254 withscrews 250, as shown. Threaded holes 253 are provided in mounting flange254 and are appropriately sized, spaced, and oriented, to be compatiblewith the mounting requirements of flow switch 165. Mounting flange 254also includes an equivalent and appropriately-sized counterbore recess258 with depths and diameters required for accepting the sensing paddle171 and double O-ring seals 248 and 249 respectively of the flow switch“male” mounting flange 256. The flow switch 165 mounting flange 254 isembodied as the “female” connection. The sensing paddle 171 with O-ringseals 248 is inserted into the counterbore recess 258 of the mountingflange 252 with the sensing paddle 171 oriented perpendicular to theaxis of the manifold 151. The flanged port 167 is then installed ontothe flange face 252 of the mounting flange 254, which firmly sandwichesthe O-ring seals 248 between the mounting flange 254 and the wall of thecounterbore recess 258, thus retaining the sensing paddle 171. Thisarrangement embodies herein a flange connection constructed and arrangedfor direct no-pipe-thread attachment of a flow switch of the typecomprising a housing including a face plate, a sensing switch within thehousing, a sensing paddle outside the housing and connected by aconnector member through the face plate to the sensing switch, screwattachments for connecting the face plate to a flange member, and acylindrical seal member, co-axial with the sensing paddle and encirclingthe connector member, for sealing a face-plate-to-flange-memberconnection. The arrangement of FIGS. 3 and 4 also embodies herein such aflange connection comprising: a flange; a smooth female bore central tosuch flange of such flange connection; wherein such flange comprises atleast two flange connectors each structured and arranged to assist aconnection to the flow meter.

This last-discussed preferred embodiment of this invention, using aflanged mounting, provides many advantages over a pipe-threadedmounting, e.g., it provides a simple “bolt on” mounting, not requiringlarge wrenches or pipe thread sealing means, such as Teflon tape or pipedope; it eliminates an unnecessary joint; it eliminates the need for thelarge specialty adapter/mounting fitting which is typically suppliedwith the flow switch; proper orientation of the flow switch isautomatically established, as the flange is permanently located; and theswitch does not need to be rotated to be installed, therefore its largehousing doesn't require “extra” clearance from other nearbyobstructions.

Another alternate preferred embodiment of the flow switch connection isillustrated in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6. In this embodiment, the flow switch165 mates and secures to mounting face 266 of mounting flange 269 withscrews 250, as shown. Threaded holes 253 are provided in mounting flange269 and are appropriately sized, spaced, and oriented, to be compatiblewith the mounting requirements of flow switch 165. Mounting flange 269also includes an equivalent and appropriately sized “male” connection274, preferably cylindrical, preferably with double O-ring seals 263 and264 set in grooves 275 and 276. The flow switch 165 mounting flange 271is embodied as the “female” connection. When mounting the flow switch165 (shown in FIG. 6), the sensing paddle 267 is inserted into thecounterbore recess 262 of the mounting flange 269 with the sensingpaddle 267 oriented perpendicular to the axis of the manifold 151. Theflanged port 262 is then installed onto the male connection 274 andattached at the flange face 266 of the mounting flange 269, which firmlysandwiches the O-ring seals 263 and 264 between the mounting flange 269and the wall of the counterbore recess 262, thus retaining the sensingpaddle 267 and providing a seal in the counterbore recess 262 of theflow switch 165. This arrangement embodies herein a such flangeconnection comprising: a flange; a male hollow round cylinder elementextending outwardly and centrally from such flange; wherein such malehollow round cylinder element comprises at least one external sealerstructured and arranged to seal a flow meter of the type comprising afemale bore connector; wherein such flange comprises at least two flangeconnectors each structured and arranged to assist a connection to theflow meter.

Yet another preferred embodiment of the flow switch 165 connection isillustrated in FIG. 7 AND FIG. 8. Preferably a flow switch attachment ismade with a screw thread 280 type attachment as shown in FIG. 7.Manifold 151 has an attached port 278 protruding from manifold 151 withexterior screw threads 280. Preferably the screw threads 280 are“buttress” type threads that form a compressive seal when a matchingscrew thread nut 286 is attached as shown in FIG. 8. In this embodimentof the flow switch 165 connection, the flow switch has a matching“female” screw thread nut 286 adapter to fit the screw threads 280 ofthe manifold 151 of the riser unit 150 (shown in FIG. 2). Preferably,when the flow switch 165 is installed on the riser manifold 151 screwthreads 280, the flow switch 165 mates and secures to mounting face 282of mounting flange 289 with a compression fit, as illustrated in FIG. 8.An O-ring 288 set in a groove 293 at the face 290 of the flow meterflange 292 forms a seal as it is compressed against the flange face 282of the mounting flange 279. When mounting the flow switch 165 (shown inFIG. 8), the sensing paddle 294 is inserted into the internal borerecess 284 of the mounting flange 279 with the sensing paddle 290oriented perpendicular to the axis of the manifold 151. The threadedport 278 is then installed onto the female connection screw nut 286 andattached at the flange face 282 of the mounting flange 279, which firmlysandwiches the O-ring seal 288 between the mounting flange 279 and theface 290 of the flow meter flange 292, thus retaining the sensing paddle294 and providing a seal. This arrangement embodies herein a such flangeconnection comprising: a flange; wherein such flange comprises externalthreads structured and arranged to match internal threads of a flowmeter connection element; and wherein an outer face of such flangecomprises a flat surface structured and arranged for sealing against aface of the flow meter connection element.

FIG. 9 illustrates yet another preferred embodiment of the riser unit300. With particular reference to FIG. 9, the riser unit 300 is acomponent of a water sprinkler system for a residential fire protectionsystem similar to that illustrated in FIG. 1. The riser unit 300includes components with capabilities for monitoring delivery of waterto the sprinklers, monitoring water pressure, providing systemover-pressure relief, and testing and draining the water sprinklersystem. Riser unit 300 incorporates a riser manifold unitary meanspreferably embodied by the one-piece manifold 301 to assist in makingconnections to the above-mentioned components as well as water systemconnections, all as hereinafter described.

Manifold 301 is similar in construction to manifold 151 (see FIG. 1)except as noted below with respect to the ports. Manifold 301incorporates similar support means (for assisting attachment of theriser manifold unitary means to the structure) embodied by two pedestals152 for stabilizing of the riser unit 301 by attachment of the riserunit 301 to a convenient location of the residence's structure. Theriser unit 300 connects the residence's water piping to the sprinklersystem by two connections onto manifold 301 as previously described withrespect to FIG. 1 with respect to riser 150. Manifold 301 includes pipethread attachment locations (on its side facing direction B, as shown inFIG. 9) for system components as illustrated: flow switch means embodiedby flow switch 165; test, drain and relief valve means embodied by test,drain and relief valve 304; pressure gauge means embodied by pressuregauge 168.

With particular reference to FIG. 9, the riser unit 300 includes meansfor conveniently grouping, connecting and securely mounting variouscomponents of a fire prevention water sprinkler system; and it embodiesherein a riser wherein such multiple ports comprises two such ports inthe following order in a direction from such first end of such firstlongitudinal pipe to such second end of such first longitudinal pipe: afirst such port structured and arranged to attach to at least onesprinkler system component having at least a flow-switch capability formonitoring delivery of the water flow to sprinklers of the sprinklersystem; a second such port structured and arranged to attach to at leasttwo sprinkler system components each having at least one of thefollowing capabilities: a test-and-drain-valve capability for testingand draining the sprinkler system, a relief-valve capability forproviding over-pressure relief for the sprinkler system, apressure-gauge capability for monitoring water pressure in the sprinklersystem. And it further embodies an arrangement wherein such second portis structured and arranged to attach to two sprinkler system components:a first sprinkler system component having a pressure-gauge capabilityfor monitoring water pressure in the sprinkler system; and a secondsprinkler system component having a test-and-drain-valve capability fortesting and draining the sprinkler system, and a relief-valve capabilityfor providing over-pressure relief for the sprinkler system.

Although water sprinkler systems are custom tailored for eachapplication with a varying quantity of sprinkler heads and a varyinglayout of interconnecting plumbing, the system component capabilities ofriser unit 300 remain reasonably consistent with most applications; andthe teachings of the present invention will apply even if in aparticular application only two ports are molded into the longitudinalpipe portion of manifold 301 (as embodied and shown in FIG. 9). Apressure gauge 168 indicates the pressure within the system and ismonitored for indication that ample pressure is available in the eventthat the sprinklers will be activated. Over-pressurization of a closedsystem can occur, from thermal expansion or other reasons.

To functionally connect these components together, manifold 301 isprovided. Manifold 301 is a one-piece casting with standard pipe threadconnections at inlet 160 (shown in FIG. 1 only), outlet 163, and thedrain port of valve 304 and the attached pressure gauge port 305, all asshown. Flow switch port 167 encompasses several embodiments previouslydescribed above. The two pedestals 152 for mounting are cast integrallywith mounting holes 153 provided. The longitudinal pipe means forguiding water flow from the water supply pipe to the sprinkler systempipe is the same as described for manifold 151 in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2.Preferably, indicia indicating a water flow direction and portidentifications are also located similar to riser 150 previouslydescribed; however, since riser 300 has only two ports, the indicia arealtered to indicate the associated functions attached at the two ports.Preferably those functions are worded “GAUGE”, “TEST, DRAIN & RELIEF”,and “FLOW”. Port identification at flow switch port 167 additionally hasadjacent to it arrow 172 (as shown in FIG. 1) indicating direction ofwater flow within the manifold 301. Additional indicia 173 (shown inFIG. 1) cast into manifold 301 might include trade name and mark, partnumbering, patent numbering, manufacturer, and phone number, etc.

A perspective view of manifold 301 is shown in FIG. 9. The manifold 301is tubular in cross-section and hollow its full length. Extendingtransversely (perpendicularly) from the longitudinal pipe means ofmanifold 301 and aligned in parallel relation along a first side B ofmanifold 301 are port 167 (for attaching flow meter 165 and port 156 a(for attaching valve 304), which includes port 305 (for attachingpressure gauge 168) along its length (as shown). Pressure gauge port 305is attached to test, drain and relief port 156 a extending transverselyand aligned along an upper side E, approximately centered in thelongitudinal pipe of test, drain, and relief valve port 156 a. Pressuregauge port 305 preferably has internal pipe threads sized one-quarterinch N.P.T.

It is noted that, although ports for things like test, drain and reliefvalve ports are usually female and internal, the casting in manifold 301of male, external threads for such port provides an efficient and directconnection to the usual test, drain and relief valve (i.e., it savesrequiring a nipple to be added to the port).

It is preferred that the system components be attached to the pipethread attachments of the ports of manifold 301 in the following orderwith respect to a direction from the first end 160 a at the pipe threadsof inlet 160 (shown in FIG. 1) to the second end 163 a at the pipethreads of outlet 163: flow switch means 165; test, drain, and reliefvalve means 304 (with pressure gauge 168 attached along the port 156 afrom port 305, as shown). Also preferred in combination, for the reasonsherein, are the following dimensions: for the length of manifold 301,about eleven inches; for the location of the center of flow switch port167 for flow switch 165, about three inches from first end 160 a (shownin FIG. 1) of manifold 301; for the location of the center of test anddrain port 156 a for test, drain and relief valve 304, about eightinches from first end 160 a of manifold 301. This arrangement alsoembodies a riser wherein such second port comprises a secondlongitudinal pipe extending from and perpendicular to such firstlongitudinal pipe and wherein such second longitudinal pipe comprisestwo component attachment structures: a first component attachmentstructure suitable to assist in attaching a pressure gauge formonitoring water pressure in the sprinkler system; and a secondcomponent attachment structure suitable to assist in attaching a valvehaving at least a test-and-drain-valve capability for testing anddraining the sprinkler system.

The above-preferred dimensions provide high efficiency in use of space,etc. Considering all of the above and the importance and efficiency (incost and space) of a minimum length riser while preserving the abilityto install the riser manifold for support to either side, the hereinillustrated and disclosed arrangement and dimensions are an importantpart of the present invention, according to a preferred embodimentthereof; and this arrangement embodies herein that said firstlongitudinal pipe is no more than about eleven inches long.

Another preferred embodiment of the combination test, drain and reliefvalve 304 is illustrated in FIGS. 10–12. Referring now to FIG. 11, valve304 is shown in cross-sectional view. As shown, valve 304 comprises avalve body 308 having a fluid inlet 310 and a fluid outlet 311. Disposedwithin the valve body 308 is a valve seat 313 which is structured andarranged to engage a valve washer 314. The valve washer 314 ispreferably attached to valve stem 316 by use of a metal screw 317 whichis sized and arranged to engage an internally threaded recess 326disposed within the bottom end 323 of valve stem 316 (preferably made ofbrass). The screw 317 is further secured to the valve stem 316 with theuse of a screw thread locking product, preferably the product known as“Loctite” (TM) (preferably product #271 available from a LoctiteCorporation of Newington, Conn.). The valve washer 314 embodies herein afirst sealing means for assisting sealing at such valve seat, affixed tosuch lower portion of such valve stem and structured and arranged forengagement with such valve seat when such valve stem is lowered; and italso embodies herein a first sealer, to assist sealing at such valveseat, affixed to such lower portion of such valve stem and structuredand arranged for engagement with such valve seat when such valve stem islowered. Also shown in FIG. 10 is the use of a lock washer 319, of atype readily selectable by one skilled in such art, preferably used tofurther secure the screw to the valve stem 316 (190 in FIG. 13).

To accomplish pressure relief capability, valve 304 incorporates the useof a valve stem helical spring 320, which exerts a preset pressure onthe valve stem bottom end 323 and the valve washer 314. The valve stemhelical spring 320 embodies herein an urging means for urging such valvewasher towards such valve seat 313. The predetermined and presetpressure is that pressure which is required to maintain the valve washer314 against the valve seat 313 during standard fire sprinkler systemoperating pressure. The “not to exceed” predetermined pressure for firesprinkler water systems is typically 175 psi. Upon a given firesuppression system exceeding this predetermined pressure, valve washer314 will be displaced (provided that valve stem 316 is not otherwiseblocked from moving) from the valve seat 313 thereby relieving systempressure (by releasing pressurized system fluid through fluid outletside 311) and thus preventing damage to the system components. When thesystem pressure has returned to the operating “not to exceed” pressure,spring 320 automatically urges valve washer 314 against valve seat 313thereby sealing the system from further fluid loss. This arrangementembodies herein an arrangement wherein such first sealing means isremovably seated against such valve seat when such control means is in alowered position whereby such pressure relief capability is provided.

Also shown in FIG. 11 is a valve riser 321, preferably made of a metalmaterial (brass), and having a threaded upper portion 327, and having aninternal bore portion 324 therein. Valve riser 321 is preferablyintegrally cast with and is a part of valve body 308, embodying hereinsuch valve riser comprising an integral element of such valve body. Asshown in FIG. 11, bore section 324 has a diameter, which is necessary tohouse spring 320 as shown. The bore section 324 is also sized so as toallow for unobstructed movement of the valve stem 316 therein when thevalve is arranged for pressure relief capability. As FIG. 11 furtherillustrates, the present invention also provides for a (roughly roundcylindrical) valve handle 328, preferably rounded and knurled or slotted332 and preferably made of a metal material. Valve handle 328 (embodyingherein such controller comprising an approximately round cylindricalouter surface having indentations structured and arranged to assist auser to grip such controller for turning such controller) comprises alower portion 329 having a lower internally threaded recess 334, and anupper portion 331 having an upper internally threaded recess 336.Separating each respective recess 334 and 336 is a center portion 338having an axial hole 340 sized so as to allow unobstructed movement ofvalve stem 316 upper portion 322 therein when valve 304 is arranged forpressure relief capability. The lower internally threaded recess 334 ofvalve handle 328 is structured and arranged for adjustable attachment tothe threaded upper portion 327 of valve riser 321. Valve handle 328embodies herein a control means, adjustably attached to such upper endof such valve riser, for implementing raising and lowering of such valvestem; and it also embodies a controller, adjustably attached to suchexterior surface of such valve riser, structured and arranged toimplement raising and lowering of such valve stem. In operation, openingof valve 304 consists of manipulating the valve handle 328 (preferablyby manually turning valve handle 328 counterclockwise) until the valvewasher 314 is displaced from the valve seat 313. To facilitate liftingof the valve stem 316, a threaded fastener (preferably a stem bolt 341as further shown in FIG. 10) is attached, preferably by threadedattachment, to the valve stem upper portion 322 (preferably having athreaded portion). Preferably stem bolt 341 also secures a rubber washer342 and metal washer 351 to provide further sealing means at the washerhandle 328 axial hole 340. Stem bolt 220 embodies herein an engagementmeans, structured and arranged for attachment adjacent such upperportion of such valve stem, for engaging such control means.

Preferably, a substantially annular tension disk 330, attached bythreading means and preferably consisting of a metal material and havinga preferred thickness of about ¼-inch is externally threaded (333) andstructured and arranged for attachment adjacent the upper internallythreaded 334 portion of the valve riser, for use in adjusting thetension on spring 320 so as to more thoroughly ensure that when thesystem pressure achieves the above mentioned “not-to-exceed” systempressure, the valve washer 314 is displaced from the valve seat 313. Asshown in exploded view in FIG. 10, the tension disk 330 is provided witha concentric aperture 344, sized to allow unobstructed movement of valvestem 316 therethrough, and is further provided with substantiallycylindrical outer surface threaded portion 333 which is structured andarranged to engage the inner wall threaded portion 334.

Preferably, adjusting the tension in spring 320 consists of engaging theouter surface threaded portion 333 with the inner wall threaded portion334 and turning (in well known ways) the tension disk 330 so that itrecedes into the internal bore portion 324. When so positioned, theplanar bottom surface 346 of tension disk 330 is in contact with the topcoil 348 of spring 320, as indicated in FIG. 10. Subsequent such turnsof the tension disk 330 results in further compression of spring 320(with a resultant increase in spring tension) resulting in acorresponding increase in the system pressure required to unseat thevalve washer 314 from the valve seat 313. The tension disk 330 embodiesherein an adjustment means, disposed within such internal bore, foradjusting such urging of such urging means. To avoid accidental orunauthorized adjustment of the tension in spring 320, it is preferred(and often required by applicable safety codes) that spring 320 befactory adjusted prior to installing the valve 304 in the particularfluid system and that the tension disk 330 be secured after adjustmentby a suitable thread tightening product, preferably the aforementionedLoctite (TM) product. Also, importantly, to prevent fluid from escapingaround valve stem 322 when the valve 304 is in an open position, anO-ring-type gasket 350, of the kind readily selectable by one withordinary skill in such art, is preferably attached to a circumferentialgroove 352 on valve stem 316, as shown in FIG. 10.

Preferably, in one embodiment the valve 304 may also be structured andarranged to pressure test fire suppression systems as described below.Typically, hydrostatic pressure testing is required in piping systems inorder to ascertain the integrity of such systems against leakage and/orfaulty components. Commercial fire sprinkler systems typically require atest pressure of approximately 200 psi. Since the test pressuretypically exceeds the system pressure which will activate the pressurerelief function, this embodiment provides for a blocking pin 354 whichis structured and arranged to block movement of the valve stem 316 whenthe system “not to exceed” pressure is exceeded. This arrangementembodies herein an arrangement wherein such first sealing means isirremovably seated against such valve seat when such valve stem isblocked by such blocking means whereby pressure testing capability isprovided. The blocking pin 354 (embodying herein a blocking means,removably affixed in such control means, for implementing blocking ofmovement of such valve stem away from such valve seat and also embodyingherein a such valve-stem-movement blocker, removably affixable in suchreceiver system of such controller, structured and arranged to implementblocking of movement of such valve stem away from such valve seat) ispreferably made of a metal material and is preferably an Allen wrench ofthe type and size typically used to remove the flow meter cover 164(shown in FIG. 1). Blocking pin 354 is preferably inserted into pinreceiving holes 355 as shown best in FIG. 11, this system embodyingherein a blocker system structured and arranged to assist implementationof blocking of movement of such valve stem away from such valve seat.Obtaining pressure test capability is achieved by simply turning valvehandle 328 until valve washer 314 is seated against valve seat 313. Theblocking pin 354 (embodying herein a blocker element removably affixablein such valve system) is then installed in valve handle 328 by slidablyinserting the pin 354 into the pin receiving holes 355 (embodying hereina receiver system structured and arranged to removably receive avalve-stem-movement blocker, and also embodying that such controller isstructured and arranged to removably receive such blocker element)passing through each side of valve handle 328. When properly installed,the blocking pin 354 is seated against the valve stem 322 stem bolt topsurface 343 as shown in FIG. 11. The blocking pin 354 embodies herein ablocking means, removably attached to such control means, forimplementing blocking of movement of such valve stem away from suchvalve seat. The disclosed use of the instant valve embodies herein thesteps of: manipulating such rotary handle until such valve washer isseated against such valve seat; affixing such blocking pin to suchrotary handle; manipulating such blocking pin until it contacts suchvalve stem; pressurizing such fluid system to a predetermined testingpressure; and manipulating such rotary handle, holding such blockingpin, until such valve washer is displaced from such valve seat, wherebysuch pressure is relieved in such fluid system.

Upon completion of the pressure test, relieving the fire suppressionsystem of excess pressure consists of simply turning the valve handle328 until the valve washer 314 is displaced from the valve seat 313thereby allowing the pressurized fluid to escape through the fluidoutlet side 311. The use of the blocking pin 354 has the furtheradvantage of maintaining the stem upper portion 322 disposed within theupper internal threaded recess 336 of valve handle 328 when the user isattempting to alleviate system pressure. This arrangement effectivelyprevents the sudden movement of the valve stem 316 which may come intocontact and injure the hand of the user.

Preferably valve 304 may be arranged for drain/test fluid flowcapability which is necessary to either drain the fire suppressionsystem or to check the integrity of the alarm system. As hereinbeforediscussed with respect to FIG. 11, opening of valve 304 consists ofmanipulating the valve handle 328 (preferably by manually turning valvehandle 328 counterclockwise). As the threads on the lower internallythreaded recess 334 travel along the corresponding threads on thethreaded upper portion 327 of valve riser 321, the valve handle 328rises (defined as the movement of valve handle 328 away from the valvebody 308). Continued turning of valve handle 328 causes handle centerportion 338 to exert pressure on stem bolt 341 thereby raising the valvestem 316 which, in turn, causes the valve washer 314 to become displacedfrom the valve seat 313. This arrangement embodies herein an arrangementwherein such first sealing means is displaced from such valve seat whensuch control means is in a raised position whereby such drain/test fluidflow capability is provided. Closing of valve 304 consists ofmanipulating the valve handle 328 (preferably by manually turning valvehandle 328 clockwise) thereby lowering valve handle 328 (defined asmovement of valve handle 328 towards the valve body 308) and thusallowing the tensile force in spring 320 to urge the valve washer 314against the valve seat 313. A further advantage of the presentembodiment is that the valve handle 328 may be operated to open andclose the valve 304 even with the blocking pin 354 installed. Ashereinbefore discussed, this arrangement is beneficial in preventinginjury to the user when the user attempts to alleviate system pressurefollowing a pressure test. Further, the use of threaded portions on thevalve riser 321 and valve handle 328 allows for gradual and smoothopening and closing of valve 304. This arrangement is helpful inpreventing the “water hammer” effect which is caused when a flow offluid through a fluid system is suddenly halted thereby creating areverberating pressure wave in the fluid which may result in systemdamage.

Installation of valve 304 preferably comprises threaded attachment ofvalve body 308 to conveniently accessible portion of drain piping 356,preferably comprising threaded pipe, from which the fire suppressionfluid is removed from the fire suppression system to either drain thesystem or check the alarm system integrity. Preferably valve body 308has an integral 90 degree bend 358 (embodying herein a downward facingfaucet opening) for faucet-type outlet 311 drain means therebyeliminating an additional attached elbow fitting 170 (illustrated inFIG. 1).

Referring further to FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, the details of the valve stem316 of the present embodiment will now be disclosed. The valve stem 316is preferably made of a metal material and comprises a substantiallycylindrical upper stem portion 322 and a substantially cylindrical lowerstem portion 323 having a lower stem ledge portion 345 sized to supportthe lower coil 347 of spring 320. As shown, valve stem 316 is structuredso that the upper stem portion 322 has a smaller diameter than the lowerstem portion 323. The lower stem portion 323 is provided with a groove352 structured and arranged to receive a typical O-ring-type gasket 350(shown in FIG. 11), preferably comprising an essentially rubbermaterial. The valve stem 316 is sized and arranged for concentricplacement within the internal bore portion 324 (shown in FIG. 11) suchthat the lower stem portion 323 is adjacent the lower inner riserportion 349 of valve riser 321. When the valve stem 316 is structuredand arranged in the above-mentioned fashion, the O-ring gasket 350always remains in contact with the lower inner riser portion 349 ofvalve riser 321 even when the valve washer 314 is fully displaced fromthe valve seat 313. This arrangement advantageously serves the purposeof effectively insulating the spring from the system fluid, therebyprolonging the life of spring 320. The O-ring gasket 350 embodies hereina second sealing means, attached to such lower portion of such valvestem between such helical spring and such valve seat, for essentiallypreventing such fluid from contacting such helical spring.

To prevent system fluid from escaping past valve seat 313 when valve 304is in a closed position, the present embodiment of valve 304 is providedwith a lower stem ledge 360 structured and arranged to be integrallyattached adjacent the lower valve stem portion 323 of valve stem 316.Lower stem ledge 360 comprises a flat bottom surface, preferablycomprising a metal material, having a substantially planar bottom endsized to receive valve washer 314 and washer stiffener 315. The valvewasher 314, preferably comprising a rubber-type material, is secured tothe flat bottom surface of lower stem ledge 360 with a metal screwfastener 317, preferably comprising a threaded fastener. Also, as shownin FIG. 10, the use of a lock washer 319, of the type readily selectableby one skilled in such art, is preferably used to further secure thescrew to the valve stem 316.

Preferably, configuring valve 304 for pressure test capability isachieved by simply turning valve handle 355 until the valve washer 314is seated against valve seat 313 (such as shown in FIG. 11). Theblocking pin 354 is then installed in valve handle 328 by slidablyinserting the pin into the pin receiving holes on each side of valvehandle 328. When properly installed, the blocking pin 354 is seatedagainst the valve stem 322 stem bolt top surface 343 as shown in FIG.11.

Another preferred embodiment of the valve system of the presentinvention, herein referred to as valve 20, is shown in cross-sectionalview in FIG. 14. Referring to FIG. 14, valve 20 consists of a standardglobe valve body 22 (well-known to those skilled in the art) of apredetermined size (readily selectable by those skilled in the art) andhaving a fluid inlet side 24, a fluid outlet side 26 and having aninternally threaded upper portion 27. Disposed within the valve body 22is a valve seat 28 which is structured and arranged to engage a valvewasher 29. To provide lateral support to valve washer 29, a washersupport 30, preferably made of a metal material, is attached, preferablyadhesively, to valve washer 29. The washer support 30 and valve washer29 combination are preferably attached by use of a metal screw 31 whichis sized and arranged to engage an internally threaded recess 36disposed within the bottom end 32 of valve stem 33 (preferably made ofstainless steel). The valve washer 29 embodies herein a first sealingmeans for assisting sealing at such valve seat, affixed to such lowerportion of such valve stem and structured and arranged for engagementwith such valve seat when such valve stem is lowered.

Also shown in FIG. 14 is the use of a lock washer 38, of the typereadily selectable by one skilled in such art, used to further securethe valve washer 29 and washer support 30 to the valve stem 33. Thescrew 31 is further secured to the valve stem 33 with the use of a screwthread locking product, preferably the product known as “Loctite” (TM)(preferably product #271 available from a Loctite Corporation ofNewington, Conn.). To accomplish pressure relief capability, valve 20incorporates the use of a valve stem helical spring 40 which exerts apredetermined pressure on the washer support 30 and valve washer 29combination. The valve stem helical spring 40 embodies herein an urgingmeans for urging such valve washer towards such valve seat. Thepredetermined pressure is that pressure which is required to maintainthe valve washer 29 against the valve seat 28 during standard firesprinkler system operating pressure. The “not to exceed” predeterminedpressure for fire sprinkler water systems is typically 175 psi. Upon agiven fire suppression system exceeding this predetermined pressure,valve washer 29 will be displaced (provided that valve stem 33 is nototherwise blocked from moving) from the valve seat 28 thereby relievingsystem pressure (by releasing pressurized system fluid through fluidoutlet side 26) and thus preventing damage to the system components.When the system pressure has returned to the operating “not to exceed”pressure, spring 40 automatically urges valve washer 29 against valveseat 28 thereby sealing the system from further fluid loss. Thisarrangement embodies herein an arrangement wherein such first sealingmeans is removably seated against such valve seat when such controlmeans is in a lowered position whereby such pressure relief capabilityis provided.

Also shown in FIG. 14 is a valve riser 41, preferably made of a metalmaterial, and having a threaded upper portion 42, a threaded lowerportion 43, and having an internal bore portion 44 therein. The threadedlower portion 43 of valve riser 41 is sized to frictionally engage theinternally threaded upper portion 27 of valve body 22. To assist inmaintaining a tight connection between valve riser 41 and valve body 22,a thread tightening product, preferably “Loctite” (TM) may be applied tothe threaded lower portion 43 of valve riser 41 and the internallythreaded upper portion 27 of valve body 22. Internal bore portion 44comprises a first bore section 48 and a second bore section 49. As shownin FIG. 14, first bore section 48 has a diameter greater than the secondbore section 49 which is necessary to house spring 40 as shown. Thesecond bore section 49 is sized so as to allow for unobstructed movementof the valve stem 33 therein when the valve is arranged for pressurerelief capability as shown in FIG. 14. As FIG. 14 further illustrates,the present invention also provides for a valve handle 50, preferably ofthe rotary type and preferably made of a metal material. Valve handle 50comprises a lower portion 53 having a lower internally threaded recess54 (as shown best in FIG. 16), and an upper portion 55 having an upperinternally threaded recess 56. Separating each respective recess 54 and56 is a center portion 60 having an axial hole 61 sized so as to allowunobstructed movement of valve stem 33 therein when valve 20 is arrangedfor pressure relief capability. The lower internally threaded recess 54of valve handle 50 is structured and arranged for adjustable attachmentto the threaded upper portion 42 of valve riser 41. Valve handle 50embodies herein a control means, adjustably attached to such upper endof such valve riser, for implementing raising and lowering of such valvestem. In operation, opening of valve 20 consists of manipulating thevalve handle 50 (preferably by manually turning valve handle 50counterclockwise) until the valve washer 29 is displaced from the valveseat 28 (as shown in FIG. 16). To facilitate lifting of the valve stem33, a threaded fastener (preferably a stem nut 63 as shown) is attached,preferably by threaded attachment, to the valve stem upper portion 64(preferably having a threaded portion). Stem nut 63 embodies herein anengagement means, structured and arranged for attachment adjacent suchupper portion of such valve stem, for engaging such control means. Asvalve handle 50 is turned, the center portion upper surface 65 engagesthe stem nut 63 thereby raising the valve stem 33. To prevent fluid fromescaping around valve stem 33 when the valve 20 is in an open position,an O-ring-type gasket 69, of the kind readily selectable by one withordinary skill in such art, is attached to a circumferential groove 70on valve stem 33, as shown.

The valve 20 of the present invention may also be structured andarranged to pressure test fire suppression systems as shown in FIG. 15.Typically, hydrostatic pressure testing is required in piping systems inorder to ascertain the integrity of such systems against leakage and/orfaulty components. Commercial fire sprinkler systems typically require atest pressure of approximately 200 psi. Since the test pressuretypically exceeds the system pressure which will activate the pressurerelief function, the present invention provides for a blocking plug 72which is structured and arranged to block movement of the valve stem 33when the system “not to exceed” pressure is exceeded. This arrangementembodies herein an arrangement wherein such first sealing means isirremovably seated against such valve seat when such valve stem isblocked by such blocking means whereby pressure testing capability isprovided. The blocking plug 72 is preferably made of a metal materialand has a bottom surface 73, a plug upper portion 74 and a cylindricalexternally threaded plug lower portion 75. Obtaining pressure testcapability is achieved by simply turning valve handle 50 until valvewasher 29 is seated against valve seat 28. The blocking plug 72 is theninstalled in valve handle 50 by attaching, preferably by a threadedattachment, the externally threaded plug lower portion 75 to the upperinternally threaded recess 56 of valve handle 50. When properlyinstalled, the bottom surface 73 of blocking plug 72 is seated againstthe valve stem top surface 76 as shown in FIG. 15. The blocking plug 72embodies herein a blocking means, removably attached to such controlmeans, for implementing blocking of movement of such valve stem awayfrom such valve seat. The disclosed use of the instant valve embodiesherein the steps of: manipulating such rotary handle until such valvewasher is seated against such valve seat; affixing such blocking plug tosuch rotary handle; manipulating such blocking plug until it contactssuch valve stem; pressurizing such fluid system to a pre-determinedtesting pressure; and manipulating such rotary handle, holding suchblocking plug, until such valve washer is displaced from such valveseat, whereby such pressure is relieved in such fluid system.

To facilitate installation of blocking plug 72, the plug upper portion74 has, for example, as shown, a square circumference sized to fit atypical box-end wrench (not shown), although a circular circumferencewith a means to engage a flat edge (such as a screwdriver head) may beused without deviating from the spirit of the present invention. Uponcompletion of the pressure test, relieving the fire suppression systemof excess pressure consists of simply turning the valve handle 50 untilthe valve washer 29 is displaced from the valve seat 28 (as shown inFIG. 16) thereby allowing the pressurized fluid to escape through thefluid outlet side 26. The use of the blocking plug 72 has the furtheradvantage of maintaining the stem upper portion 64 disposed within theupper internal threaded recess 56 of valve handle 50 when the user isattempting to alleviate system pressure. This arrangement effectivelyprevents the sudden movement of the valve stem 33 which may come intocontact and injure the hand of the user.

Shown in cross-section in FIG. 16 is the valve 20 of the presentinvention arranged for drain/test fluid flow capability which isnecessary to either drain the fire suppression system or to check theintegrity of the alarm system. As hereinbefore discussed with respect toFIG. 14, opening of valve 20 consists of manipulating the valve handle50 (preferably by manually turning valve handle 50 counterclockwise). Asthe threads on the lower internally threaded recess 54 travel along thecorresponding threads on the threaded upper portion 42 of valve riser41, the valve handle 50 rises (defined as the movement of valve handle50 away from the valve body 22). Continued turning of valve handle 50causes handle center portion 60 to exert pressure on stem nut 63 therebyraising the valve stem 33 which, in turn, causes the valve washer 29 tobecome displaced from the valve seat 28. This arrangement embodiesherein an arrangement wherein such first sealing means is displaced fromsuch valve seat when such control means is in a raised position wherebysuch drain/test fluid flow capability is provided. Closing of valve 20consists of manipulating the handle 50 (preferably by manually turningvalve handle 50 clockwise) thereby lowering handle 50 (defined asmovement of valve handle 50 towards the valve body 22) and thus allowingthe tensile force in spring 40 to urge the valve washer 29 against thevalve seat 28. A further advantage of the present invention is that thevalve handle 50 may be operated to open and close the valve 20 even withthe blocking plug 72 (as shown in alternate detail) installed. Ashereinbefore discussed, this arrangement is beneficial in preventinginjury to the user when the user attempts to alleviate system pressurefollowing a pressure test. Further, the use of threaded portions on thevalve riser 41 and valve handle 50 allows for gradual and smooth openingand closing of valve 20. This arrangement is helpful in preventing the“water hammer” effect which is caused when a flow of fluid through afluid system is suddenly halted thereby creating a reverberatingpressure wave in the fluid which may result in system damage.

Shown in FIGS. 17 and 18 is the valve 20 in perspective and in elevationrespectively. As specifically illustrated in FIG. 17, the valve riser 41preferably comprises a substantially square riser center portion 77 thatis sized to receive a typical box-end wrench. Shown in FIG. 18 is thevalve 20 installed at the base of a typical gridded fire suppressionsystem. Installation of valve 20 preferably comprises threadedattachment of valve body 22 to conveniently accessible portion of thedrain piping 78, preferably comprising threaded pipe, from which thefire suppression fluid is removed from the fire suppression system toeither drain the system or check the alarm system integrity.

With reference now to FIGS. 19–23, yet another alternate preferredembodiment of the valve, hereinafter designated by reference numeral 81,is described; valve 81 is similar in structure and operation to valve180 (see FIGS. 12–13), previously described. The valve 81 is structuredand arranged to substantially provide the same aforementioned functionsas valve 20; and valve 81 is further provided with a variety of addedbeneficial features which will now be fully disclosed. As described withreference to similar valve 180, the valve 81 is provided with a valvebody 22 and valve handle 50, both as substantially illustrated anddescribed previously with respect to FIGS. 14–18. The alternatepreferred embodiment of the present invention is also provided with avalve riser 82, preferably made of a metal material, and having aninternal bore portion 83 defined by the riser inner wall 86. The valveriser 82 is attached to both the valve handle 50 and valve body 22 inaccordance with the attachment method fully disclosed with respect toFIG. 14. For reasons which will become apparent as this presentdisclosure progresses, the valve riser 82 comprises a lower inner riserportion 87 having a smaller internal diameter than the upper inner riserportion 88 which is sized to house spring 40. As shown in FIG. 19, theupper inner riser portion 88 comprises an inner wall threaded portion 91originating from the riser top end 92 and preferably terminating at thelower inner riser portion 87, as shown.

Also shown in FIG. 19 is a substantially annular tension disk 93,preferably consisting of a metal material and having a preferredthickness of about ¼-inch, for use in adjusting the tension on spring 40so as to more thoroughly ensure that when the system pressure achievesthe above mentioned “not-to-exceed” system pressure, the valve washer 29is displaced from the valve seat 28. As shown in perspective in FIG. 20,the tension disk 93 is provided with a concentric aperture 96, sized toallow unobstructed movement of valve stem 97 therethrough, and isfurther provided with substantially cylindrical outer surface threadedportion 98 which is structured and arranged to engage the inner wallthreaded portion 91. Referring now to FIG. 21, adjusting the tension inspring 40 consists of engaging the outer surface threaded portion 98with the inner wall threaded portion 91 and turning (in well known ways)the tension disk 93 so that it recedes into the internal bore portion83. When so positioned, the planar bottom surface 99 of tension disk 93is in contact with the top coil 100 of spring 40, as shown. Subsequentsuch turns of the tension disk 93 results in further compression ofspring 40 (with a resultant increase in spring tension) resulting in acorresponding increase in the system pressure required to unseat thevalve washer 29 from the valve seat 28. The tension disk 93 embodiesherein an adjustment means, disposed within such internal bore, foradjusting such urging of such urging means. To avoid accidental orunauthorized adjustment of the tension in spring 40, it is preferred(and often required by applicable safety codes) that spring 40 befactory adjusted prior to installing the valve 81 in the particularfluid system and that the tension disk 93 be secured after adjustment bya suitable thread tightening product, preferably the aforementionedLoctite (TM) product.

Referring further to FIG. 19 and introducing FIG. 23, the details of thevalve stem 97 of the present embodiment will now be disclosed. The valvestem 97 is preferably made of a metal material and comprises asubstantially cylindrical upper stem portion 102 and a substantiallycylindrical lower stem portion 103 having a lower stem ledge portion 104sized to support the lower coil 105 of spring 40. As shown, valve stem97 is structured so that the upper stem portion 102 has a smallerdiameter than the lower stem portion 103. The lower stem portion 103 isprovided with a groove 106 structured and arranged to receive a typicalO-ring-type gasket 69, preferably comprising an essentially rubbermaterial. The valve stem 97 is sized and arranged for concentricplacement within the internal bore portion 83 such that the lower stemportion 103 is adjacent the lower inner riser portion 87 of valve riser82. As shown in partial cross section in FIG. 22, when the valve stem 97is structured and arranged in the above-mentioned fashion, the gasket 69always remains in contact with the lower inner riser portion 87 of valveriser 82 even when the valve washer 29 is fully displaced from the valveseat 28. This arrangement advantageously serves the purpose ofeffectively insulating the spring 40 from the system fluid, therebyprolonging the life of spring 40. The gasket 69 embodies herein a secondsealing means, attached to such lower portion of such valve stem betweensuch helical spring and such valve seat, for essentially preventing suchfluid from contacting such helical spring.

To provide a means to manually raise valve stem 97, the valve 81 isprovided with an annular washer 107, of a type well known in such art,which is structured and arranged to engage handle center portion 60 whenthe valve 81 is manually opened in accordance with the aforementioneddisclosure accompanying FIG. 16. As shown in FIG. 19, the annular washer107 is secured to the top surface 108 of valve stem 97 by use of afastener 109, preferably a threaded fastener, which is structured andarranged for receipt by the stem upper threaded recess 112 (as shownbest in FIG. 23). The annular washer 107 embodies herein an engagementmeans, structured and arranged for attachment adjacent such upperportion of such valve stem, for engaging such control means. To preventsystem fluid from escaping past seat 28 when valve 81 is in a closedposition, the present embodiment of valve 81 is provided with a footassembly 113 structured and arranged for attachment adjacent the bottomsurface 114 of valve stem 97. The foot assembly 113 comprises a foot117, preferably comprising a metal material, having a substantiallyplanar first end 118 sized to receive valve washer 29. The valve washer29, preferably comprising a rubber-type material, is secured to the foot117 with a fastener 120, preferably comprising a threaded fastener. Thefoot 117 is also provided with a ball portion 123 structured andarranged to engage a valve stem socket 125 (shown best in FIG. 23). Boththe ball portion 123 and corresponding valve stem socket 125 are sizedto provide a typical ball-and-socket connection in which the footassembly 113 is prevented from being displaced from the valve stem 97while still being allowed sufficient movement, relative to valve stem97, so as to fully seat the valve washer 29 against valve seat 28.

Also shown in FIG. 19 is an alternate preferred embodiment of blockingplug, hereinafter referred to as blocking plug 126, arranged in astow-away position on valve handle 50 so as to not interfere with thepressure relief capability of valve 81. Referring now to FIG. 24, theblocking plug 126 is preferably made of a metal material and has aplanar surface 127, a substantially cylindrical externally threaded body130, and an internal chamber portion 131. With reference now to FIG. 25,configuring valve 81 for pressure test capability is achieved by simplyturning valve handle 50 until the valve washer 29 is seated againstvalve seat 28 (such as shown in FIG. 19). The blocking plug 126 is theninstalled in valve handle 50 by attaching, preferably by a threadedattachment, the externally threaded body 130 to the upper internallythreaded recess 56 of valve handle 50. When properly installed, theplanar surface 127 of blocking plug 126 is seated against the head topsurface 132 of fastener 109. To facilitate attachment of the blockingplug 126 in the aforementioned manner, notches 135 are provided in thelip portion 136 which are structured and arranged to receive the flatedge of a screwdriver or like device. To facilitate attachment of theblocking plug 126 into valve handle 50 in the manner shown in FIG. 19,the planar surface 127 is also provided with a channel 137 for receivingthe flat edge of a screwdriver or like device.

FIG. 26 illustrates the fire control sprinkler system 1100 according toa preferred embodiment of the present invention. Preferably, firecontrol sprinkler system 1100 comprises an enclosure 1102 (embodyingherein at least one enclosure structured and arranged to substantiallyenclose and protect such at least one riser system). Preferably,enclosure 1102 is a box-like structure, as shown (embodying herein atleast one enclosure comprises at least one box sufficiently large toenclose and protect said at least one riser system). Preferably,enclosure 1102 is corrosion resistant steel. Most preferably, theenclosure is plastic. Those skilled in the art, upon reading theteachings of this specification, will appreciate that, under appropriatecircumstances, considering such issues as fire and safety code issuesand economic considerations, other materials for enclosure 1102, such ascomposite materials, for example carbon fiber, or any of severalrelatively new plastic-composite combination materials, may suffice.(The above-described arrangement embodies herein wherein said at leastone enclosure consists essentially of at least one material selectedfrom the following group: plastic, metal, composite material, or atleast two of the above materials.)

Most preferably, enclosure 1102 is dimensioned such that the enclosure1102 is large enough to enclose a pipe riser 1104, and the majorcomponent parts adjacent such a riser 1104, while also fitting betweentwo adjacent wall studs, as shown and further detailed below (dimensionswill decrease, in general, for a single or dual port riser). Theabove-described arrangement embodies herein wherein said at least oneenclosure is structured and arranged to fit substantially within wallframing supports of a wall within the fire-protectable structure.Preferably, enclosure 1102 is structured such that it may be installednext to a wall stud 1106, or most preferably adjacent two wall studs1106, as shown. Those skilled in the art, upon reading the teachings ofthis specification, will appreciate that, under appropriatecircumstances, considering such issues as wall stud dimensions andon-site conditions, other methods of installing the enclosure 1102, suchas attaching the enclosure to a rear wall, may suffice. For example, theenclosure 1102 may also be installed utilizing the back portion 1114 ofthe enclosure 1102 as a support surface and attaching the back portion1114 to a wall or other support, preferably using nails or screws(embodying herein wherein said at least one enclosure comprisesattachment means for assisting attachment of said enclosure to suchfire-protectable structure; and, embodies herein wherein said at leastone portable enclosure is attachable to at least one portion of the atleast one fire-protectable structure adjacent a location of the at leastone fire sprinkler riser system). Those skilled in the art, upon readingthe teachings of this specification, will appreciate that, underappropriate circumstances, considering such issues as economics, bearingload of the enclosure and wall structure, other methods of attachmentand installation, may suffice.

In addition, it is preferred that the enclosure 1102 comprises a mudring 1105 (which is an extruded ridge which provides an end-point forthe drywall application when recessing or partially recessing theenclosure 1102), as shown. Preferably, the mud ring 1105 is on all sidesof the enclosure 1102 adjacent the front 1107 of the enclosure 1102, asshown (the above-described arrangement embodies herein wherein saidenclosure comprises at least one mud-ring). Those skilled in the art,upon reading the teachings of this specification, will appreciate that,under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as designconsiderations, fire code and economic considerations, other methods ofmounting the enclosure 1102 on or within a wall, such as without a mudring 1105, may suffice.

Preferably, enclosure 1102 further comprises a door 1108, preferablylarge enough to provide maintenance to a riser 1104 and it's componentsenclosed within the enclosure 1102, as shown (this arrangement embodiesherein wherein said at least one enclosure further comprises at leastone closable access portal structured and arranged to permit maintenanceof said at least one riser system; and, embodies herein wherein said atleast one portable enclosure comprises at least one closable accessportal structured and arranged to permit maintenance of the at least onefire sprinkler riser system; and, embodies herein providing at least oneclosable access portal to such at least one protective enclosurestructured and arranged to permit maintenance of such at least one firesprinkler riser system). Preferably, door 1108 is attached to enclosure1102 by a hinge 1110, preferably a piano hinge, as shown (see FIG. 2).Preferably, the interior of door 1108 also comprises a set ofinstructions 1112, which preferably comprise general informationregarding the system components, potential service tasks, hydrauliccalculations, troubleshooting information and other additionalinformation that may be required or requested by the local FireAuthority. Those skilled in the art, upon reading the teachings of thisspecification, will appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances,considering such issues as Local Authority codes, laws, economic andmanufacturer considerations, other methods of providing instructions1112, such as computer discs may suffice. The above-describedarrangement embodies herein wherein said at least one enclosure furthercomprises indicia means for instructing at least one user concerning theat least one riser system; and embodies herein wherein elements of saidindicia means comprise information selected from the group consistingessentially of: instructions, test data, troubleshooting information,and hydraulic calculations.

Preferably, the enclosure 1102 further comprises a plurality ofknock-out ports 1116 (embodying herein at least one user-optionknock-out aperture). Such knock-out ports 1116 may be located along anyof the sides or back of the enclosure 1102, as shown. Most preferably,such knock-out ports 1116 are located such that the riser 1104 may beinstalled adjacent either side of the enclosure 1102 or in the centerportion 1118 of the enclosure 1102. Those skilled in the art, uponreading the teachings of this specification, will appreciate that, underappropriate circumstances, considering such issues as manufacturingconsiderations and economic issues other arrangements for providingpass-through access to or from the enclosure 1102, may suffice.

In addition, there are preferably two additional knock-out ports 1120for providing access for power to the flow switch 1140 and alarm wiring(such as to an alarm bell, see FIG. 54), as shown. Those skilled in theart, upon reading the teachings of this specification, will appreciatethat, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues aseconomics and user preferences, other methods of providing ports 1120,such as drilling or cutting the ports, may suffice.

Preferably, the fire control sprinkler system 1100 also comprises awater sprinkler supply line 1122, water supply line 1124 and sprinklerheads 1126. Preferably, the water supply line 1124 is attached to theriser 1104 near the bottom 1126 of the riser 1104, as shown, when theenclosure 1102 and riser 1104 are installed at the final destination(building or other structure). Additionally, it is common to attach abackflow valve 1128 to the riser 1104 between the water supply line 1124and the riser bottom 1126, as shown. Preferably, the backflow valve 1128prevents water in the riser or water in the sprinkler supply line frompassing back into the water supply line 1124 for example, should thewater pressure in the water supply line 1124 drop below the waterpressure in the riser 1104 and water sprinkler supply line 1122.

Preferably, the water sprinkler supply line 1122 is attached near thetop 1130 of the riser 1104, as shown. Those skilled in the art, uponreading the teachings of this specification, will appreciate that, underappropriate circumstances, considering such issues as and Fire Authorityrequirements and installation space, other placement of water sprinklersupply line 1122, such as at the bottom or side of the enclosure 1102,may suffice.

Preferably, the enclosure 1102 further comprises an inner bottom 1132 onwhich additional sprinkler heads 1134 may be retained (embodying hereinwherein said at least one protective enclosure further comprises atleast one storage element adapted to store replacement sprinkler heads).Many Fire Authorities require such additional sprinkler heads 1134 bestored near the riser 1104. Preferably, enclosure 1102 provides aneasily accessible means for such storage. FIG. 27 illustrates apreferred embodiment of additional sprinkler head storage, a storagerack 1142. (FIG. 41 and FIG. 52 illustrate other preferred embodimentsof such storage means as well). Those skilled in the art, upon readingthe teachings of this specification, will appreciate that, underappropriate circumstances, considering such issues as economics and Firecode, other arrangements of sprinkler head storage, may suffice.

Most preferably, the riser 1104 is pre-assembled and shipped with theenclosure 1102 (this arrangement embodies herein at least one risersystem comprising at least one riser; and, providing at least oneprotective enclosure around the at least one fire sprinkler risersystem). Such an arrangement provides many advantages. For example, firesprinkler risers are generally installed prior to installation of thewalls. Further, painting and other construction operations may leaveunwanted residue on the riser. The enclosure 1102 protects the riser andcomponents from damage due to such residue. Even further, pre-assemblyof the riser 1104 and components preferably provides an improved qualitycontrol and assists in providing a riser 1104 that is complete with nomissing parts (embodying herein at least one riser system comprising atleast one riser; and, at least one enclosure structured and arranged tosubstantially enclose and protect such at least one riser system;wherein such at least one riser system is mounted to such at least oneenclosure). Those skilled in the art, upon reading the teachings of thisspecification, will appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances,considering such issues as user preferences, installer preferences andeconomic considerations, other fire sprinkler riser portions may besupplied with the enclosure, such as supplying only the riser andenclosure without additional components or with only partial components.

Most preferably, a plurality of component parts are shipped with theriser 1104 and pre-assembled on the riser 1104. Such componentspreferably comprise a pressure gauge 1136, a pressure relief and drainvalve 1138 (such valves may be separate components, however, a preferredcombination valve is shown) and a flow switch 1140, as shown. Thoseskilled in the art, upon reading the teachings of this specification,will appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering suchissues as manufacturer preferences and economic considerations, othercomponent parts may be shipped with the riser 1104 and pre-assembled onthe riser 1104. For example, an entire fire control sprinkler system1100 may be shipped. The above-described arrangement embodies herein atleast one component attached to said riser wherein said at least onecomponent provides at least one function selected from the groupconsisting of: a flow switch function to monitor water flow through theat least one fire sprinkler system; a test and drain valve function totest and drain the at least one fire sprinkler system; a pressure gaugefunction to monitor water pressure in the at least one fire sprinklersystem; and, a relief valve function to provide over-pressure relief forthe at least one fire sprinkler system.

FIG. 27 is a front view of the fire control sprinkler system 1100according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG.28 is a front view of the fire control sprinkler system 1100 accordingto a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 27 and FIG. 28illustrate another embodiment of the fire control sprinkler system 1100in which the door 1108 of enclosure 1102 preferably has a transparentwindow 1144 visible through the face 1146 of the door 1108, as shown(embodying herein wherein said at least one closable access portalcomprises at least one transparent window). Preferably, the riser 1104comprises a flow switch 1150 component that is preferably structuredsuch that the cover 1162 of the flow switch 1150 is about parallel to alongitudinal axis of the riser 1104 and is facing the door 1108, asshown. Most preferably, the flow switch 1150 comprises a flow indicator1152, preferably a digital indicator 1154, such as that shown, in whichthe water flow through riser 1104 may be measured and indicated withoutopening door 1108. Preferably, the flow indicator 1152 is structuredsuch that when the cover 1162 of the flow switch 1150 is installedadjacent a wall of the structure, a readable face of the flow indicator1152 is parallel to the wall (embodying herein at least one flow switchcomprising a readable gauge wherein said flow switch is structured andarranged so that, when said flow switch is installed adjacent a wall ofthe fire-protectable structure, a readable face of said readable gaugeis parallel to the wall). Those skilled in the art, upon reading theteachings of this specification, will appreciate that, under appropriatecircumstances, considering such issues as economics and userpreferences, other types of indicator arrangements, for example, analogindicators, may suffice. The above-described arrangement embodies hereinat least one first flow indicator structured and arranged to indicatethe water flow; and at least one second flow-volume indicator structuredand arranged to indicate water flow volume; and embodies herein whereinsaid at least one second flow-volume indicator is numerically readable;and embodies herein wherein said at least one second flow-volumeindicator is electronically readable.

It is noted that this cover 1162 facing arrangement provides an easyaccess to the flow switch 1150. Further, it is noted that prior art flowswitch covers are aligned with the longitudinal axis of the riser asshown in FIG. 26 and removal of such covers requires a greater amount ofspace adjacent the riser that the flow switch arrangement of FIG. 27, asshown.

In yet another preferred embodiment, the flow switch indicator 1152further comprises a water pressure indicator 1156 (embodying herein aflow switch system for monitoring water flow through at least one riserof a fire sprinkler system of a fire-protectable structure comprising:at least one flow switch; wherein said at least one flow switchcomprises at least one water pressure indicator structured and arrangedto indicate water pressure in said at least one riser). Preferably, thewater flow switch 1150 comprises the following three functions, an alertfunction to send an alert signal that there is water flow within theriser 1104, a flow switch indicator 1152 to indicate the volume of thewater flow within the riser 1104 and a water pressure indicator 1156 toindicate water pressure within the riser 1104.

Preferably, door 1108 comprises indicia 1155. Such indicia 155 mostpreferably states “Fire Sprinkler Riser” however, under appropriatecircumstances, other indicia 1155 may suffice. Preferably, door 1108also comprises a door handle 1156 and a lock 1158, as shown. Thoseskilled in the art, upon reading the teachings of this specification,will appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering suchissues as economic considerations and end-user preferences, other door1108 arrangements, such as multiple doors, roll-top doors, etc., maysuffice. Furthermore, those skilled in the art, upon reading theteachings of this specification, will appreciate that, under appropriatecircumstances, considering such issues as economics and securityconsiderations, other styles and types of door handle 1156 and lock1158, such as recessed or protruding handles 1156 and or locks 1158, maysuffice. Also, certain agencies and/or municipalities that determine therules and codes for fire sprinkler systems vary in such rules and codesand the enclosure 1102 and door 1108 are intended to be modifiable toaccommodate such differences.

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a flow switch 1160 of the fire controlsprinkler system according to a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention. Preferably, FIG. 29 illustrates the embodiment of flow switch1160. Preferably, flow switch 1160 is turned such that the cover 1162 isabout ninety-degrees from the riser coupling attachment 1166 and suchthat the face 1164 of cover 1162 is facing and adjacent the door 1108 ofthe enclosure 1102, as shown. Preferably, cover 1162 also comprises atransparent window 1168, as shown. Preferably, cover 1162 also comprisesindicator lights 1170, 1172 and 1174. Preferably, lights 1170, 1172 and1174 are low power LED (liquid crystal lights) bulbs, however, underappropriate circumstances, other arrangements may suffice. Mostpreferably, lights 1170 and 1172 are lit when there is flow within theriser 1122 and the flow switch is activated, thereby preferably sendingan alarm signal to an alarm panel 1606 (see FIG. 54) or alarm bell 1608(see FIG. 54). Preferably, light 1174 indicates power is flowing to theflow switch 1160. Those skilled in the art, upon reading the teachingsof this specification, will appreciate that, under appropriatecircumstances, considering such issues as Local Authority firerequirements and economical considerations, other methods of wiring andalarm routing, may suffice.

Further, flow switch 1160 preferably comprises at least one andpreferably two ports 1176. Most preferably, ports 1176 are used forbringing in electrical power to the flow switch 1160 and wiring from theflow switch 1160 to such items as the aforementioned alarm panel 1606 oralarm bell 1608. Most preferably, ports 1176 comprise knockout covers ofthe type commonly used in electrical boxes and generally well known bythose knowledgeable in such art of electrical boxes. Those skilled inthe art, upon reading the teachings of this specification, willappreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering suchissues as economic consideration and Electrical Code, other methods ofsupplying electrical power to the flow switch 1160 and wiring from theflow switch 1160 etc., such as internal batteries or permanent aperturesetc., may suffice.

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the flow switch 1160 of FIG. 29 withthe front cover 1162 in an open position according to a preferredembodiment of the present invention. Illustrated in FIG. 30 is apreferred embodiment of flow switch 1160 and some of the preferredfunctioning components. Preferably, flow switch 1160 comprises a switchand relay component 1178, a timing component 1180 and a displaycomponent 1182. Preferably, the display component 1182 is integral tothe flow switch 1160 and digital (for example, having an LED displaysimilar to a digital clock). Those skilled in the art, upon reading theteachings of this specification, will appreciate that, under appropriatecircumstances, considering such issues as economical consideration,technological advances and design preferences, other methods of display,such as computer screens, plasma screens, analog clock displays etc.,may suffice.

Preferably, flow switch 1160 also comprises an actuator 1184, which ispreferably connected to a rod or lever 1186, as shown, and to a paddle(See paddle 1374, FIG. 46) which is inserted into the riser body andmoves when there is a water flow in the riser 1104. Preferably, thecover 1162 is attached with screws, preferably threaded. Morepreferably, the cover 1162 is attached with a pivot/hinge 1188, asshown. Those skilled in the art, upon reading the teachings of thisspecification, will appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances,considering such issues as Local Fire Code requirements, economicconsiderations and manufacturing considerations, other styles of flowswitch 1160, such as those not using a paddle 1374, may suffice.

FIG. 31 is a front view of the flow switch of FIG. 29 according to apreferred embodiment of the present invention. Preferably, the flowswitch 1160 comprises display component 1182 which further comprisesboth a flow switch indicator 1152 to indicate the volume of the waterflow within the riser 1104 and a water pressure indicator to indicatewater pressure within the riser 1104 as described above.

Also, illustrated further in FIG. 31 is the riser coupling attachment1166 and its connection to the riser 1104. As shown in FIG. 31, theattachment is a threaded attachment, however, under appropriatecircumstances, other attachment arrangements may suffice.

FIG. 32 illustrates a front view of a flow switch 1190 according to yetanother preferred embodiment of the present invention. Preferably, asshown in FIG. 32, the flow switch 1190 may be turned and utilizedwithout a display on the front cover 1192, as shown. Preferably, theattachment of the flow switch 1190 to the riser 1104 may also be a gluedattachment, as shown. Additional attachment options will be furtherdiscussed below. Those skilled in the art, upon reading the teachings ofthis specification, will appreciate that, under appropriatecircumstances, considering such issues as user preferences andeconomical considerations, other methods of attaching the flow switch1190 to the riser 1104, such as removable adhesive, threaded attachment,twist and lock, etc., may suffice.

FIG. 33 is an exploded perspective view of a plastic riser system 200according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 34 isa perspective view of a plastic riser system according to a preferredembodiment of the present invention. FIG. 35 is an exploded perspectiveview, of the plastic riser system of FIG. 34 according to a preferredembodiment of the present invention.

Preferably, according to a highly preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, riser 1202 is made from plastic (embodying herein at leastone unitary riser for use in at least one fire sprinkler system of afire-protectable structure comprising substantially plastic), preferablyCPVC plastic, most preferably schedule-80 CPVC plastic (embodying hereincomprising substantially CPVC plastic). Those skilled in the art, uponreading the teachings of this specification, will appreciate that, underappropriate circumstances, considering such issues as material, materialpressure requirements and economic considerations, other wall thicknessmay suffice. [For example, the riser 1202 may also be made from metalsuch as aluminum, stainless steel or brass, for example, when requireddue to environmental, high pressure or fire/heat requirements.]

Preferably, the plastic riser 1200 comprises ports 1208, 1210 and 1212for attachment of the basic required devices (as previously notedabove), as shown. There are multiple preferred embodiments depending onthe arrangement of the devices. Plastic parts shown herein willpreferably be manufactured according to the current best known methodsof plastic molding for the appropriate circumstances of strength,dimensions and qualities desired.

It is noted that CPVC Schedule-80 will be a preferred material for mostparts of the plastic riser 1200. Care, as known by those skilled in theart, should be taken to mold radiuses of appropriate strength in thevicinity of surface intersections. Those skilled in the art, uponreading the teachings of this specification, will appreciate that, underappropriate circumstances, considering such issues as desired materialthickness, pressure requirements of the piping and economicconsiderations, other methods of manufacturing the plastic riser 1200,such as computer-controlled machining, plastic molding, etc, maysuffice.

Preferably, in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 33, riser 1202comprises a top end 1204 and a bottom end 1206, as shown. Preferably,riser 1202 has a non-threaded top end 1204 and a threaded bottom end1206, as shown (embodying herein wherein said at least one of saidplurality of ports is structured and arranged to provide a gluableconnection). Under appropriate circumstances, other arrangements maysuffice (for example, additional arrangements are described below inother preferred embodiments and preferences). Preferably, riser 1202comprises three ports 1208, 1210 and 1212. Preferably, the ends 1214,1216, and 1218 at ports 1208, 1210 and 1212 are male ends as inventorhas determined there is an advantage in reducing failure of theconnection at the ends of the connector when such male ends are used atthe riser port and female ends are used on the devices. Preferably, port1208 is utilized to attach a pressure gauge 1220, as shown. Preferably,a metal coupling 1221 is used between the plastic port 1208 and thepressure gauge 1220, as shown. Under appropriate circumstances, othercoupling material arrangements may suffice (for example, plastic).Preferably, the metal coupling 1221 has two female ends and both theport 1208 and pressure gauge 1220 have male ends, as shown. Preferably,port 1210 is utilized to attach a drain and test assembly 1222, asshown. Preferably, an extension arm 1224 is utilized to extend the drainand test assembly 1222 past the flow switch 1226 such that water exitingfrom the spigot end 1237 clears the flow switch 1226, as shown.Preferably, port 1212 is utilized to attach a flow switch 1226, asshown. Those skilled in the art, upon reading the teachings of thisspecification, will appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances,considering such issues as device dimensions, economic considerationsand Fire Code, other attachment arrangements and devices, such asthreaded, may suffice. The above-described arrangement embodies hereinat least one component wherein said at least one component provides atleast one function selected from the group consisting of: a flow switchfunction to monitor water flow through the at least one fire sprinklersystem, a test and drain valve function to test and drain the at leastone fire sprinkler system, a pressure gauge function to monitor waterpressure in the at least one fire sprinkler system, and a relief valvefunction to provide over-pressure relief for the at least one firesprinkler system; and a plurality of ports wherein at least one of saidplurality of ports is attached to said at least one component.

Preferably, plastic riser 1202 comprises attachment brackets 1228 and1230, as shown (embodying herein at least one bracket structured andarranged to assist attachment of said at least one unitary riser to thefire-protectable structure). Preferably, attachment brackets 1228 and1230 are attached opposite the ports 1208, 1210 and 1212, when the ports1208, 1210 and 1212 are aligned on one side, as shown (embodying hereinwherein at least one said at least one bracket is aligned opposite atleast one port of said at least one unitary riser). Those skilled in theart, upon reading the teachings of this specification, will appreciatethat, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as userpreferences, economic considerations and manufacturing considerations,other methods of attachment and positions of attachment brackets 1228and 1230, such as more or less offset from ports 1208, 1210 and 1212,may suffice. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 34 and FIG. 35, theattachment brackets 1232 and 1234 may be located perpendicular to theport arrangements, as shown (embodying herein wherein at least one saidat least one bracket is perpendicular to at least one port of said atleast one unitary riser). The location and arrangement of the attachmentbrackets 1228 and 1230 on the plastic riser 1202 may be located inmultiple positions as required to mount the riser 1202 and the describedpreferred locations are not intended to be limiting. Preferably, theattachment brackets 1228 and 1230 are molded into the preferred plasticriser 1202 as an integral attachment, however, under appropriatecircumstances, other arrangements may suffice (embodying herein whereinat least one said at least one bracket is integral to said at least oneunitary riser). For example, although less preferred, attachment of theriser 1202 to enclosure 1102 or directly to a wall stud 1106 may, underappropriate circumstances, be accomplished utilizing brackets that areremovably attached to the riser 1202. Those skilled in the art, uponreading the teachings of this specification, will appreciate that, underappropriate circumstances, considering such issues as type ofinstallation, support requirements etc., other methods of installation,such as directly into block or brick, may suffice.

FIG. 33 further illustrates a backflow preventor 1236. Such backflowpreventors 1236 are typically required to be installed adjacent a riser,such as shown, to prevent contaminated water from entering the potablewater system of the structure in which the riser and piping isinstalled. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 33, the backflowpreventor 1236 is threadably attached to the riser 1202. Those skilledin the art, upon reading the teachings of this specification, willappreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering suchissues as economical consideration, manufacturing preference andend-user preference, other methods of attaching the backflow preventor1236 to the riser 1202, such as adhesive, may suffice.

FIG. 36 is an exploded perspective view, of a plastic riser systemaccording to another preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG.36 illustrates the riser 1202 shown in FIG. 33 with the extension arm1224 separated.

FIG. 37 is a perspective view, of the plastic riser system 1200 of FIG.33 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 37illustrates the plastic riser system 1200 in a preferred assembly, asshown.

FIG. 38 is a perspective view of a two-port embodiment 1240 of a plasticriser 1242 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 39 is an exploded perspective view of the two-port embodiment 1240of FIG. 38 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.Preferably, the plastic riser 1242 comprises a port 1244 which ispreferably utilized for the test and drain assembly 1222. Preferably,port 1244 also comprises an extension arm 1246, preferably glued andinset into end 1248 of port 1244, as shown. Those skilled in the art,upon reading the teachings of this specification, will appreciate that,under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as economicsand manufacturing parameters, other attachment arrangements, forexample, the extension arm 1246 may be integral to the port 1244 or maybe threadably attached, may suffice.

Preferably, plastic riser 1242 also comprises port 1250. Preferably,port 1250 comprises a threaded male end 1252, as shown. Preferably, maleend 1252 has a matching female end attached to a flow switch.Preferably, the flow switch is of the type discussed above whichcomprises a water pressure gauge and flow gauge. Also, the plastic riser1242 preferably comprises attachment brackets 1254 and 1256, as shown.Under appropriate circumstances, other attachment bracket arrangementsmay suffice.

FIG. 40 is an exploded perspective view of a riser system 1260 accordingto another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 41 is a front viewof a fire control sprinkler system illustrating the riser embodiment ofFIG. 40 installed in an enclosure according to another preferredembodiment of the present invention.

Preferably, riser system 1260 comprises a riser 1262, which is mostpreferably substantially plastic, preferably CPVC plastic. Those skilledin the art, upon reading the teachings of this specification, willappreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering suchissues as preferred material, economic consideration, climateconditions, environmental, high pressure or fire/heat requirements,etc., other materials for the riser 1262, for example, metal such asaluminum, stainless steel or brass, may suffice. Preferably, riser 1262is arranged such that ports 1264 and 1266 are substantially aligned onone side of the riser 1262, as shown. Preferably, another port 1268 isaligned on an opposite side, preferably about one-hundred-eighty degreesfrom ports 1264 and 1266, as shown. Those skilled in the art, uponreading the teachings of this specification, will appreciate that, underappropriate circumstances, considering such issues as user preferenceand manufacturing considerations, other port alignments, may suffice.The preferred arrangement stated above allows the riser 1262 to besubstantially smaller in height than the previous described risers andprovides an embodiment wherein the riser 1262 may be located morecentral in enclosure 1270, as shown in FIG. 41. In addition, thisarrangement provides the drain and test assembly 1272 without anextension arm as in previous embodiments resulting in even less joints(an advantage in that joints tend to be where leaks occur).

Preferably, port 1264 connects to the water pressure gauge 1274, asshown in FIG. 40. Preferably, port 1266 connects to a flow switch 1276,as shown. Those skilled in the art, upon reading the teachings of thisspecification, will appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances,considering such issues as pipe alignment and user desired preferences,other port connection arrangements may suffice. As described above, end1278 of riser 1262 typically connects to a water inlet (supply) and abackflow preventor 1282 and end 1280 typically connects to a wateroutlet (fire sprinkler system). The ends 1278 and 1280 may be threadedas shown in end 1278 or non-threaded as shown for end 1280. Preferably,the ends 1278 and 1280 are as shown. Those skilled in the art, uponreading the teachings of this specification, will appreciate that, underappropriate circumstances, considering such issues as economics andbuilding placement of the riser, other end connection arrangements maysuffice. These arrangements embody herein a method of protecting atleast one fire sprinkler riser system of a fire-protectable structurecomprising the steps of: providing at least one protective enclosurearound the at least one fire sprinkler riser system; attaching such atleast one protective enclosure to such fire-protectable structure; andoperatively connecting such at least one fire sprinkler riser system toa fire sprinkler system of such fire-protectable structure.

The above described arrangement also provides a protective enclosurearound the fire sprinkler riser and keeps the riser protected fromdamage during and after installation (embodying herein at least oneportable enclosure structured and arranged to protect at least one firesprinkler riser system when substantially interior to said at least oneportable enclosure from normally damaging elements exterior to said atleast one portable enclosure; and embodies herein at least one firstaperture in said at least one portable enclosure structured and arrangedto permit entry into said at least one portable enclosure of at leastone fire suppressant supply line, and at least one second aperture insaid at least one portable enclosure structured and arranged to permitentry into said at least one portable enclosure of at least one firesuppressant egress line).

Preferably, as previously discussed above with reference to risers 1242and 1202, the port ends are preferably male, if threaded, and preferablyfemale, if non-threaded, however, under appropriate circumstances, otherarrangements may suffice.

Preferably, riser 1262 also comprises attachment brackets 1283 and 1284.Most preferably, attachment brackets 1283 and 1284 are mounted about90-degrees or perpendicular to the ports 1264, 1266 and/or 1268, asshown. This position of the attachment brackets 1283 and 1284 provides apreferred attachment to the enclosure 1270, as shown.

Those skilled in the art, upon reading the teachings of thisspecification, will appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances,considering such issues as fire sprinkler demand and economicalconsiderations, other dimensions of bracket and port locations anddistances, may suffice.

Preferably, enclosure 1270 comprises riser system 1262, as shown in FIG.41. Preferably, enclosure 1270 also comprises sprinkler head storage1286, preferably a storage bracket 1288, preferably with extra sprinklerheads 1290, as shown. Most preferably, sprinkler heads 1290 as specifiedby an end user. Under appropriate circumstances, other sprinkler headstorage arrangements may suffice. For example, FIG. 26 and FIG. 27illustrate other preferred arrangements.

Preferably, enclosure 1270 comprises a door 1292, preferably hinged, asshown in FIG. 41. Preferably, door 1292 comprises instructions 1294, asshown. Preferably, door 1292 comprises a latch 1296, as shown,preferably lockable, preferably with a key. Under appropriatecircumstances, other arrangements may suffice.

FIG. 42 is a perspective view of a two-port riser according to anotherpreferred embodiment of the present invention. In the illustratedembodiment of FIG. 42, a two-port riser is shown. Preferably, the riser1300 is plastic, preferably CPVC plastic. Under appropriatecircumstances, other materials may suffice. For example, the riser 1300may also be made from metal such as aluminum, stainless steel or brassfor example when required due to environmental, high pressure orfire/heat requirements. Preferably, the riser 1300 comprises a port 1302and a port 1304, as shown. Preferably, port 1302 is utilized to connectthe test and drain assembly 1336 as shown in FIG. 45. Preferably, port1304 is used to connect the combined flow switch, flow gauge and waterpressure gauge assembly 1338 as shown in FIG. 45. Under appropriatecircumstances, other arrangements may suffice. Preferably, riser 1300comprises an inlet end 1306 and an outlet end 1308, as shown. The inletend 1306 is preferably threaded, however it may also be an adhesivelyattached joint (EG. a smooth pipe end structured and arranged inwell-known ways to accept a pipe and be adhesively attached thereto)such as inlet end 1334 shown in FIG. 44. The outlet end 1308 ispreferably an adhesively attached joint, as shown. Those skilled in theart, upon reading the teachings of this specification, will appreciatethat, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues asmanufacturing materials and economics, other methods of attachment, suchas threading, may suffice. For example, the outlet end may also be athreaded end, preferably unitary with the riser and preferably of thesame material as the riser. It is highly preferable that theabove-described arrangement be substantially composed of CPVC plastic.

Preferably, riser 1300 further comprises attachment brackets 1310 and1312, as shown and described above. Preferably, there are two suchattachment brackets 1310 and 1312, preferably similar to each other,preferably molded plastic on a plastic riser and preferably metal on ametallic riser. Those skilled in the art, upon reading the teachings ofthis specification, will appreciate that, under appropriatecircumstances, considering such issues as manufacturing materials andeconomics, other methods of attachment, such as threading, may suffice(for example, as few as one attachment bracket may be used, preferablyelongated to provide lateral stability to the riser 1300). Further, morethan two attachment brackets 1310 and 1312 may be used. Even further,the location and spacing of the brackets 1310 and 1312 may vary, asneeded (for example, it is highly preferred to place the attachmentbrackets 1304 and 1306, as shown, however, under appropriatecircumstances, other spacing and location arrangements may suffice).

FIG. 43 is a perspective view of a three-port riser 1320 according toanother preferred embodiment of the present invention. Preferably, riser1320 is another embodiment of a riser, which is most preferablysubstantially plastic, preferably CPVC plastic. Under appropriatecircumstances, other materials may suffice. For example, the riser 1320may also be made from metal such as aluminum, stainless steel or brassfor example when required due to environmental, high pressure orfire/heat requirements. Those skilled in the art, upon reading theteachings of this specification, will appreciate that, under appropriatecircumstances, considering such issues as preferred material, economicconsideration, climate conditions, environmental, high pressure orfire/heat requirements, etc., other materials for the riser 1320, forexample, carbon-fiber, may suffice. Preferably, three-port riser 1320comprises three ports 1322, 1324 and 1326 as well as an outlet end 1328and an inlet end 1330, as shown. Preferably, port 1322 is utilized toconnect a water pressure gauge, as shown. Preferably, port 1324 isutilized to connect a test and drain assembly 1336. Preferably, port1326 is used to connect a flow switch assembly 1338. As described abovethe inlet end 1330 and outlet end 1328 are respectively threaded andadhesively attached connections for each respective type of connection.Under appropriate circumstances, other arrangements may suffice.

FIG. 44 is a perspective view of a two-port riser 1332 according toanother preferred embodiment of the present invention. Preferably,two-port riser 1330 is substantially similar to riser 1300 with oneexception; both the inlet end 1334 and the outlet end 1336 areadhesively attached ends, as shown.

FIG. 45 is an exploded perspective view of the two-port riser 1300 ofFIG. 42 with riser components according to another preferred embodimentof the present invention. Preferably, the riser attachments comprise atest and drain assembly 1336, a combined flow switch, flow gauge andwater pressure assembly 1338 and a backflow valve assembly 1340, asshown. Also illustrated is a hose attachment 1342 which, underappropriate circumstances, is preferably attached to the test and drainassembly 1336, as shown. Preferably, the hose attachment 1342 isstructured and arranged in well known ways to connect to a standard hosecoupling such as found on a garden hose such that the water from thetest and drain assembly 1336 may be routed away from the enclosure andto a more preferred water drain source (such as a sewer drain).

It is noted that the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 42 through FIG. 45are intended to illustrate the option of utilizing both adhesive andthreaded joint attachment at either or both respective outlet ends 1328and at inlet ends 1330; and to illustrate the use of both two and threeport assemblies, as shown, in combination with the plurality of eachrespective of such outlet ends 1328 and inlet ends 1330.

FIG. 46 is a partially exploded, perspective view, partially in section,of a flow switch attachment system according to another preferredembodiment of the present invention. FIG. 46 illustrates three of thepreferred riser materials, plastic riser 1360, threaded port metal riser1362 or welded port metal riser 1364 to illustrate the versatility andmultiple possible arrangements of the flow switch attachment system1350. Preferably, the flow switch attachment system 1350 comprises acoupling assembly 1380 (see FIG. 48 and FIG. 49), preferably furthercomprising an internal coupling assembly 1352 illustrated as coupling1352 a, 1352 b and 1352 c and an external coupling assembly 1382 thatwill be further described below. Preferably, coupling 1352 a, 1352 b and1352 c comprises a first end 1354, preferably threaded, as shown.Preferably, the first end 1354 attaches to a flow switch, for example,flow switch 1160, as shown. Preferably, a second end 1356 is structuredand arranged to connect to the appropriate respective riser, such asplastic riser 1360, threaded port metal riser 1362 or welded port metalriser 1364, as shown. Under appropriate circumstances, other riserattachment arrangements may suffice. Preferably, the first end 1354comprises screw threads, preferably NPS National Pipe StraightThreading, for example on the 2.5 inch coupling use of 8–28 threadingwith a 5 thread minimum is preferred. Those skilled in the art, uponreading the teachings of this specification, will appreciate that, underappropriate circumstances, considering such issues as preferredmaterial, economic consideration, climate conditions, environmental,water desired water pressure, fire/heat requirements, etc., otherthreading, may suffice.

In one preferred embodiment, coupling 1352 a, the second end 1356comprises a substantially smooth exterior surface 1358, as shown, and ofa depth such that the second end 1356 will fit substantially into theport 1364 of the plastic riser 1360 when adjoined, in well known ways(preferably utilizing plastic-type adhesive), by those knowledgeable insuch art. Those skilled in the art, upon reading the teachings of thisspecification, will appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances,considering such issues as manufacturing considerations, userpreferences and economic considerations, other material arrangements,such as non-smooth exterior surfaces, may suffice.

In another preferred embodiment, coupling 352 b, the second end 1356preferably comprises a threaded portion 1366, preferably NPT typethreading which is structured to threadably attach to a matchinginternal thread 1368 on a riser, such as riser 1362, as shown. Underappropriate circumstances, other types of thread arrangements maysuffice.

In yet another preferred embodiment, coupling 1352 c, the first end 1354and the second end 1356 are preferably adjacent each other along apreferably cylinder-shaped coupling 1370, as shown. Further, thecoupling 1352 c preferably comprises threading along the entire externalsurface, as shown. Preferably, the coupling 1352 c is welded to a steelriser 1364, as shown. Under appropriate circumstances, other threadingarrangements may suffice as well as other attachment arrangements. Thoseskilled in the art, upon reading the teachings of this specification,will appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering suchissues as economic considerations, material strength and manufacturingconsiderations, other weldable material, for example aluminum, stainlesssteel or brass, may suffice.

Even further, illustrated in FIG. 46 is a flow switch 1160. Preferably,flow switch 1160 comprises an actuator 1378. Preferably, actuator 1378is attachable to a paddle; such as the three flow switch paddles 1372,1374 and 1376, as shown. Preferably, actuator 1378 is attached to adevice within the flow switch 1160 in which movement of the actuator1378 results in a signal within the flow switch 1160 that preferablysignals water flow within a respective riser. Under appropriatecircumstances, other arrangements may suffice. Preferably, the size ofthe flow switch paddles 1372, 1374 and 1376 varies according to theinternal diameter of the respective riser. Preferably, such sizing isappropriately configured to properly indicate the flow in eachrespective riser such as may be required to be indicated by the local(Fire) Authority or by an end user. Under appropriate circumstances,other flow notifying means and arrangements may suffice.

FIG. 47 is an exploded perspective view of the flow switch externalcoupling assembly 1382 of the flow switch attachment system of FIG. 46according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG.48 is a side view in section of the flow switch coupling assembly 1380,in a disassembled position, according to another preferred embodiment ofthe present invention. FIG. 49 is another side view in section of theflow switch coupling assembly 1380 of FIG. 49, in an assembled position,according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Preferably, the external coupling assembly 1382 comprises an externalcoupling nut 1384 (embodying herein at least one second coupler,attachable to the at least one flow switch, structured and arranged toremovably couple to said at least one first coupler) and a sealingassembly 1386 (embodying herein a first coupler), as shown. Preferably,the sealing assembly 1386 comprises a sealing flange 1388, as shown.Preferably, sealing flange 1388 comprises a ridge 1390, that isstructured to fit closely adjacent the coupling nut 1384 when thecoupling nut 1384 is tightened against the ridge 1390, as shown in FIG.24. (This arrangement embodies herein wherein said at least one firstcoupler comprises at least one first end and at least one second end;wherein said at least one first end is structured and arranged tosealably attach to the at least one riser; wherein said at least onesecond end is structured and arranged to sealably attach to said atleast one second coupler). Those skilled in the art, upon reading theteachings of this specification, will appreciate that, under appropriatecircumstances, considering such issues as user preferences and economicconsideration, other flange arrangements may suffice. Preferably,sealing flange 1388 also comprises a nipple portion 1392, as shown.Preferably, the nipple portion 1392 comprises a flat face portion 1394,as shown. Preferably, the flat face portion is structured such thatwasher 1400 may be compressed against the flat face portion 1394 andprovide a seal. Preferably, the washer is about 0.1093 inches inthickness, preferably EDPM rubber, preferably sized to match the flowswitch coupling such that a seal is provided. Preferably, the nippleportion 1392 further comprises a groove 1396 which is structured suchthat a sealing O-ring 1398 will fit snugly within the groove 1396, asshown, and provide a seal when the nipple portion 1392 is inserted andtightened into the internal coupling assembly 1352, as shown. Thoseskilled in the art, upon reading the teachings of this specification,will appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering suchissues as material selection and sealing requirements (such as highpressure), other sealing arrangements, for example, more than onesealing O-ring 1398 and/or sealing assembly 1386, may suffice.

Preferably, the sealing assembly 1386 is attached to the flow switch1160 (represented in FIG. 48 as dotted line 1402). Preferably, thesealing assembly 1386 is attached to the flow switch 1160 by attachmentmeans such as screws, as shown. Under appropriate circumstances, otherattachment arrangements may suffice. Preferably, the coupling nut 1384is retained by the ridge 1390, after the sealing assembly 1386 isattached to the flow switch 1160, such that the coupling nut 1384 mayfreely rotate around the sealing assembly 1386, as shown. Underappropriate circumstances, other arrangements may suffice.

Preferably, coupling nut 1384 has a threaded portion 1404, as shown.Preferably, the threading portion 1404 has interlocking threads 1406 tothose on the internal coupling assembly 1352, as shown. Underappropriate circumstances, other arrangements may suffice (for example,a glued joint). This arrangement embodies herein wherein said at leastone first end comprises at least one attachment selected from thefollowing group: screw threads, adhesive, welding; and wherein the atleast one flow switch may be sealably attached to the at least one riserutilizing said at least one coupling.

Preferably, as illustrated in FIG. 49, the flow switch 1160 and attachedexternal coupling assembly 1382 are aligned with the riser and attachedinternal coupling assembly 1352. Preferably, the nipple portion 1392 isinserted into the internal coupling assembly 1352, as shown. Preferably,the coupling nut 1384 is then attached, preferably by threading thecoupling nut onto the interlocking threads 1406 of the internal couplingassembly 1352, as shown. Preferably, the external coupling assembly 1382and internal coupling assembly 1352 are coupled and sealed, as shown.Those skilled in the art, upon reading the teachings of thisspecification, will appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances,considering such issues as pipe pressure, economic considerations andmanufacturing considerations, other methods of coupling the externalcoupling assembly 1382 and internal coupling assembly 1352, may suffice.

FIG. 50 is a sectional view through section 50—50 of FIG. 51 accordingto another preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 51 is aperspective view of yet another riser system 1450 comprising an integralbackflow valve according to another preferred embodiment of the presentinvention.

In this embodiment, the riser system 1450 combines the function of thebackflow valve 1452 and the flow switch actuator 1454 into one assembly(embodying herein wherein said at least one integral backflow valve isstructured and arranged to connect to a flow switch indicator). Abackflow valve is usually a separate assembly (such as backflow valve1128 illustrated in FIG. 26), attached to a riser 1104. In thispreferred embodiment, the backflow valve 1452 is integral with the riser1456, as shown (embodying herein a unitary riser system for use in atleast one fire sprinkler system of a fire-protectable structurecomprising at least one integral backflow valve). Preferably, thebackflow valve 1452 comprises a one-way flapper 1458, as shown.Preferably, the one-way flapper 1458 opens when there is water flowingthrough the riser 1456 from the inlet portion 1460 towards the outletportion 1462. Preferably, the one-way flapper 1458 closes when there isno water flow in the riser 1456 or whenever there is a decrease in thewater pressure on the inlet side 1464 of the flapper 1458. Preferably,the flapper has a seal 1466 that prevents any backflow of water from theoutlet side 1468 of the riser 1456 from entering the inlet side 1464.Those skilled in the art, upon reading the teachings of thisspecification, will appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances,considering such issues as manufacturing preferences, seal longevitypreferences and economic considerations, other sealing arrangements, maysuffice.

Preferably, the one-way flapper 1458 is hingedly attached to the riser1456 utilizing a hinge assembly 1470. Preferably, the hinge assembly1470 comprises a removable pin 1472 that is preferably threaded into thehousing of the riser 1456, as shown (see FIG. 51). Those skilled in theart, upon reading the teachings of this specification, will appreciatethat, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues asmanufacturing preferences, and economic considerations, other methods ofattaching one-way flapper 1458 to the riser 1456, may suffice (forexample, a hinge pin could be pre-attached to the hinge assembly andinserted into a pre-formed pin shelf or depressed area within the risersuch that the pin would be held in place by, for example, by the accessport cover 1482).

Preferably, when the flapper 1458 is raised by water flow in the riser1456, the flapper 1458 contacts the flow switch actuator 1454, as shownand illustrated by dotted lines 1474. Preferably, when the water flowsubsides within the riser, the flapper 1458 drops back into a sealedresting position, preferably, by gravity return). Those skilled in theart, upon reading the teachings of this specification, will appreciatethat, under appropriate circumstances, other arrangements to bring theflapper 1458 back to a sealed resting position may suffice.

Furthermore, there is preferably an access port 1480 which preferablycomprises an access port cover 1482, preferably removably attached tothe access port 1480, as shown. Preferably, the access port cover 1482is removable and removing the cover 1482 provides access to the flapper1458 for maintenance purposes, such as parts replacement. Underappropriate circumstances, other arrangements may suffice. Preferably,the access port cover 1482 comprises a slot 1484 that assists inremoving the cover 1482, preferably, using a slotted tool, such as astandard screwdriver.

FIG. 51 also illustrates the attachment of a test and drain assembly1490, as shown. Preferably, test and drain assembly 1490 is attached toport 1492, as shown. Further illustrated is flow switch 1494, as shown.Preferably, flow switch 1494 is attached to port 1496, as shown. Thoseskilled in the art, upon reading the teachings of this specification,will appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering suchissues as user preferences and economic considerations, other methods ofattaching the test and drain assembly 1490 to port 1492, may suffice

FIG. 52 is a front view of the fire control sprinkler system 1500according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.Preferably, fire control sprinkler system 1500 comprises an enclosure1502. Preferably, enclosure 1502 is a box-like structure, as shown. Mostpreferably, enclosure 1502 is just large enough to enclose the risersystem 1450 described above including the major component parts adjacentsuch as riser 1504, as shown. Preferably, enclosure 1502 is structuredsuch that it may be installed next to a wall stud such as illustrated inFIG. 26. Under appropriate circumstances, other arrangements maysuffice.

Preferably, enclosure 1502 further comprises door 1508. Preferably, door1508 is attached to enclosure 1502 by a hinge 1510, preferably a pianohinge, as shown. Under appropriate circumstances, other hingearrangements may suffice. Preferably, door 1508 also comprises a set ofinstructions 1512, which preferably comprise general informationregarding the system 1500 components, potential service tasks, hydrauliccalculations, troubleshooting information and other additionalinformation that may be required or requested by the local fireauthority.

Preferably, the door 1508 of enclosure 1502 comprises a transparentwindow 1514, as shown. Preferably, the flow switch 1494 is structuredand arranged such that the cover 1516 of the flow switch 1494 is aboutperpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the riser 1504 and is facingthe door 1508, as shown. Most preferably, the flow switch 1494 comprisesa flow indicator 1518, preferably a digital indicator such as thatshown, in which the water flow through riser 1504 may be measured andindicated without opening door 1508. Those skilled in the art, uponreading the teachings of this specification, will appreciate that, underappropriate circumstances, considering such issues as manufacturingpreferences, Fire Code and building design, other types of indicatorarrangements may suffice, for example, analog indicators.

Preferably, the flow switch 1494 further comprises a water pressureindicator 1520, as shown. Preferably, the flow switch 1494 furthercomprises an alert function to send an alert signal that there is waterflow within the riser 1504 (as indicated by the wiring 1534 from theswitch 1494) and a flow indicator 1536 to indicate the volume of thewater flow within the riser, as shown.

The fire control sprinkler system 1500 also comprises a water sprinklersupply line 1522 and water supply line 1524, as shown. Preferably, thewater supply line 1524 is attached to the riser 1504 near the bottom1526 of the riser 1504, as shown, when the enclosure 1502 and riser 1504are installed at the final destination (building).

Preferably, the enclosure 1502 further comprises a sprinkler head holder1528 which may retain added sprinkler heads such as sprinkler heads 1530and 1532, as shown.

It is noted that the fire control sprinkler system 1500 provides acomplete riser system and components heretofore smaller and more compactthan any previously described embodiments or known art and provides fora riser system that may be installed in a substantially smaller space.

It is further noted that the plastic, preferably CPVC may be colored andthe components may be colored, color-coded or any variation therein.

It is also noted that the components and/or riser preferably compriseindicia. Preferably, such indicium indicates the direction of flow, nameof the component and any other pertinent information to be viewed (forexample, trademark or patent information). This arrangement embodiesherein indicia means for providing information to at least one user.

FIG. 53 is a perspective diagram illustrating a preferred manufacturing,assembly and shipping method that may be used on any of theabove-described fire control sprinkler systems including riser systemsaccording to another preferred embodiment of the present invention. In apreferred embodiment, the riser systems are pre-assembled and shipped aspackaged units 1550 (embodying herein a method of supplying firesprinkler riser systems for a fire-protectable structure comprising thesteps of: providing at least one fire sprinkler riser; providing atleast one protective enclosure to protect such at least one firesprinkler riser after installation; mounting, before the installation,such at least one fire sprinkler riser in such at least one protectiveenclosure). Preferably, the packaged units 1550 are shipped tointermediate jobber warehouses 1554 or direct to contractors orinstaller warehouses 1556 utilizing common shipping means, as shown, forexample, trucking 1552, as shown (embodying herein and providingtransportation of such mounted at least one fire sprinkler riser to atleast one installer). Under appropriate circumstances, other shippingarrangements may suffice. Preferably, the final shipping destination isto individual businesses and homes 1558, as shown. Under appropriatecircumstances, other shipping destinations and arrangements may suffice(for example, the systems may be shipped worldwide).

FIG. 54 is a diagrammatic view of a fire control sprinkler system 1600further comprising a computer control system 1602 according to yetanother preferred embodiment of the present invention.

In yet another preferred embodiment, the riser 1604 of the fire controlsprinkler system 1600 is connected to a computer control system 1602, asshown. Preferably, the computer control system 1602 assists in providinga system that monitors any or all of the activities associated with afire control sprinkler system 1600. Preferably, the fire riser 1604 isconnected to a fire alarm control panel 1606, an alarm bell 1608 and atelephone system 1610, as shown. Preferably, the computer control system1602 will allow a user to access each component described above andmodify, monitor, test, read and control each component individually oras a group. Under appropriate circumstances, other arrangements maysuffice. The above-described arrangement embodies herein a computersystem structured and arranged to provide selected monitoring offunctions of the fire protection system.

FIG. 55 illustrates a diagrammatic view of a preferred arrangement forthe flow switch control system according to another preferred embodiment1700 of the present invention. Embodiment 1700 illustrates animprovement in flow switch power supply and current flow. Typically,when a flow switch loses power the flow switch either becomes inoperableor goes into an alarm mode, regardless of whether or not there is waterflow in the riser system. Preferably, the flow switch of the presentembodiment 1700 provides a power supply without utilizing powertransformers and an analog to digital conversion circuit to “interpret”power that is input to the flow switch. This new improvement provides apower supply without regard to polarity within the switch. It alsoprovides a power supply capable of utilizing 12-volt direct current,24-volt direct current or 115-volt alternating current.

Preferably, embodiment 1700 includes user selectable switching means toprovide either an external power source or an internal power source.Preferably, an internal power source being power that is taken orborrowed from one of the attached devices being controlled by the flowswitch (for example, such as an alarm bell).

Furthermore, embodiment 1700 preferably includes an automaticallyresetting fuse (for example, a Polyswitch® Resettable Fuse such as thatavailable from Raychem Circuit Protection) to prevent damage to thecircuitry from a power surge or other power current event.

Preferably, embodiment 1700 also provides two independently operated andisolated switch blocks. Preferably, each respective switch blockprovides a single input terminal which is connected to a normally-closedor a normally-open contact (depending on the user's selected path).Preferably, the circuit path is determined by the alarm state of theflow switch (in alarm or not in alarm).

Even further, embodiment 1700 preferably includes a time delaymechanism, such as a switch, and provides for multiple adjustableuser-selected settings of such time delay mechanism. Preferably, amicro-controller is also provided which assists in controlling andreducing power consumption, increases the accuracy of the timing cycle(for the time delay), reduces the number of flow switch components onthe PCB board and assists in improving overall switch performance.

Preferably, embodiment 1700 also includes a fail-safe arrangement shouldpower be interrupted or lost; or should a component fail, the flowswitch will revert to a fail-safe mode enabling normal operation tocontinue without delay (meaning the flow switch will signal an alarmduring a water flow condition in the riser system). The above-describedarrangement embodies herein a flow switch system for monitoring waterflow through at least one fire sprinkler system comprising a fail-safeelectronic monitoring system. Those skilled in the art, upon reading theteachings of this specification, will appreciate that, under appropriatecircumstances, considering such issues as desired voltage, systemrequirements, economic preferences and electronic improvements, othermethods of wiring the flow switch for the described functions, maysuffice. It is noted that those skilled in the art, upon reading theteachings of this specification and in conjunction with FIG. 55 will beable to design other such flow switches with those functions asdescribed above.

Although applicant has described applicant's preferred embodiments ofthis invention, it will be understood that the broadest scope of thisinvention includes such modifications as diverse shapes and sizes andmaterials. Such scope is limited only by the below claims as read inconnection with the above specification.

Further, many other advantages of applicant's invention will be apparentto those skilled in the art from the above descriptions and the belowclaims.

1. A fire protection system for connecting at least one water supply toat least one fire sprinkler system of a fire-protectable structurecomprising, in combination: a) at least one riser system comprising atleast one riser; and, b) at least one enclosure structured and arrangedto substantially enclose and protect such at least one riser system; c)wherein such at least one riser system is mounted to such at least oneenclosure; d) at least one component, attached to said riser, whereinsaid at least one component provides at least one function selected fromthe group consisting of: i) a flow switch function to monitor water flowthrough the at least one fire sprinkler system; ii) a test and drainvalve function to test and drain the at least one fire sprinkler system;iii) a pressure gauge function to monitor water pressure in the at leastone fire sprinkler system; and, iv) a relief valve function to provideover-pressure relief for the at least one fire sprinkler system; and c)a computer system structured and arranged to provide selected monitoringof functions of the fire protection system.